Viva Leisure primed for growth with head of franchising appointment

April 15, 2021

Fitness / Recreation / Retail /

ASX-listed Viva Leisure has announced the appointment of experienced industry executive Gordon Martin as Head of Franchising as part of a master plan to rapidly expand the Plus Fitness network across Australia and overseas.

Viva Leisure acquired Australian Fitness Management, the master franchiser of Plus Fitness, in August 2020 adding the network to its portfolio of fitness and lifestyle brands including Club Lime, hiit republic, Fit n Fast and Pinnacle Health Clubs.

With the Plus Fitness franchise network currently operating over 200 locations in Australia, New Zealand and India, Viva Leisure is looking to grow the network to 300 and beyond, with a growth strategy that will be led by Martin.

Harry Konstantinou, Viva Leisure Chief Executive and Managing Director, explained “we’re thrilled to welcome Gordon Martin to Viva Leisure as our Head of Franchising.

“Gordon brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, as well as a talent for strategic lateral thinking and a franchisee-first approach to brand growth. These qualities complement our growth strategy both domestically and overseas and will enable us to achieve our goal of becoming the fastest-growing Australian fitness franchise.”

As the former General Manager of Anytime Fitness Australia, Martin is well versed in the expansion and success of brands within the fitness industry.

He advises “despite the impact that COVID-19 has had on the fitness industry globally, Viva Leisure has gone from strength to strength.

“Their growth of brands across their portfolio has been impressive, and I’m excited to further cement their role as a leading health club owner and operator – not only nationally but across the globe.”

With an in-depth knowledge of operations, sales, performance, and leadership, Martin is primed to play an instrumental role in the growth and development of all brands across the Viva Leisure portfolio.

Image: Gordon Martin. Credit: Collective Wellness Group.

14th April 2021 - Surfing champion Mick Fanning launches FS8 fitness training studio network

12th April 2021 - Australian Institute of Fitness supports Industry Technology Summit

8th April 2021 - Stepz Fitness opens new gym in Dubbo

23rd March 2021 - Fitness Australia says industry ‘continues to strengthen’ 12 months since COVID-19 shutdowns

8th February 2021 - Viva Leisure opens Titanium branded Club Lime Pyrmont

11th January 2021 - Viva Leisure to acquire six Pinnacle Health Clubs in Victoria

27th November 2020 - Viva Leisure looks to drive growth with $30 million capital raising

16th November 2020 - Viva Leisure continues expansion with 91st facility opening and record membership numbers

26th August 2020 - Viva Leisure announces ‘outstanding’ financial results with no loss in year-on-year income

22nd July 2020 - Viva Leisure acquires Plus Fitness’ master franchisor for $20 million

19th June 2020 - Plus Fitness opens three new clubs across two states

15th June 2020 - New Queensland retail centre to feature Viva Leisure brands

25th May 2020 - Viva Leisure prepares for gym reopenings

2nd March 2020 - Viva Leisure reports ongoing growth and reveals new boutique brand

14th February 2020 - Viva Leisure opens new sites and completes Fit n Fast Health Clubs acquisition

31st January 2020 - Plus Fitness opens latest Indian gym in South Mumbai

3rd February 2020 - Club Lime beta tests new Life Fitness On Demand

17th December 2019 - Further growth for Viva Leisure with enhanced keyless club entry and launch of dedicated DAB+ radio station

2nd December 2019 - Viva Leisure looks to raise new capital as it announces acquisition of 13 Fit n Fast clubs

9th September 2019 - Plus Fitness growth continues with Australian and international openings

25th July 2019 - Canberra’s Project Fitness Group to transition to HIIT Republic brand as it joins Viva Leisure stable

20th December 2018 - Anytime Fitness unveils 500th Australian club

18th October 2018 - Stock market launch for Club Lime owner Viva Leisure reflects positive fitness industry performance

6th June 2014 - Club Lime fitness clubs named Canberra’s most trusted brand

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.