#United States #Greenville #kickboxing #9Round Fitness #Heather Hudson

Heather Hudson Becomes CEO of 9Round Fitness

In a significant leadership shift, 9Round Kickboxing Fitness has announced Heather Hudson, co-founder of the brand, as its new CEO. This change comes as the company seeks to navigate its future while staying true to its roots and expanding its global reach.

Based in Greenville, South Carolina, 9Round was founded by Heather and her husband Shannon Hudson, a professional kickboxer, in 2008. The couple's vision was clear: to make kickboxing accessible and engaging for everyone around the world. Over the years, the franchise has flourished, now boasting over 350 locations across the United States and internationally, including countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan.

Heather's deep understanding of the brand and her role as Chief Operating Officer have uniquely prepared her to take on this new challenge. For the past 17 years, she has been an integral part of 9Round, driving communications, supporting franchisees, and developing operational systems that have propelled the brand to its current stature. With a second-degree black belt in two distinct martial arts and a background as a fitness competitor, Hudson's passion for kickboxing runs deep.

Her introduction to kickboxing was transformative, instilling a sense of empowerment unlike anything she had experienced before. This perspective is one of the driving forces behind 9Round's steady growth, which has successfully attracted both fitness novices and seasoned athletes alike.

Hudson’s goal as CEO is to bring a fresh vision that emphasizes the importance of community and personalization at 9Round. “This is an exciting time for 9Round, and I'm honored to step into this role as someone who has been committed to this brand since its inception,” she stated.

A key aspect of Hudson's vision includes the introduction of a new Trainer Ranking System. This system aims to elevate the level of service and skill among trainers, ultimately enhancing the member experience and providing studio owners with vital resources to foster customer loyalty.

This milestone also marks a significant moment in the fitness industry, as Heather stands as one of the few women at the helm of a global franchise, highlighting 9Round's dedication to diversity and inclusion. With nearly half of the brand’s owners and a large segment of its members identifying as female, Hudson's leadership is poised to resonate deeply with the brand's community.

Franchise owner Katrina Gonzalez expressed her enthusiasm, celebrating Hudson’s appointment by recognizing the unique and inspiring journey that has brought a woman to this leadership position. “Our first female CEO is a beacon of inspiration,” she affirmed. “Real leadership happens in the trenches, not just on paper or behind a desk. That’s why you’ll find me back in our flagship store leading drills, celebrating members, and keeping the 9Round energy alive right alongside our studio team,” Hudson added.

With a renewed focus on personalization and community, Heather Hudson is set on steering 9Round Kickboxing Fitness into a future filled with promise. Her commitment to recognizing and valuing both owners and members underlines her approach to leadership, ensuring that everyone feels engaged in the brand's journey.

For those interested in kickboxing as a means of fitness, the 9Round experience combines high-energy workouts within a supportive group environment. Check out their offerings and locate a studio near you at www.9round.com.

As the largest kickboxing franchise in the world, 9Round continues to redefine fitness training by offering an efficient, enjoyable, and empowering experience for individuals of all levels, guided by skilled trainers and a proven system designed with innovation and community at its core.