This issue of HCM we celebrate the return of industry legend Augie Nieto to Life Fitness. Nieto served as president from 1977 to 2000 and helped transform the company from a single-product business to one of the world’s largest commercial fitness equipment suppliers.
Nieto’s diagnosis with ALS in 2005 and subsequent battle with the disease is well documented, as is his contribution to a cure, which saw him establish a global charity, Augie’s Quest, with his wife, Lynne.
So far, the organisation has raised over US$75m towards research into a cure and Nieto’s strength, resolve and bravery in battling the disease has won him the respect of the industry and the wider business community.
Life Fitness says Nieto will return as a co-investor in the business and will also be appointed to its board of directors.
The move follows the acquisition of the company by KPS Capital Partners in July, which has been followed by a shake up of the management team and board.
New beginnings Life Fitness was valued at US$490m (€434m, £388m) at the time of the deal, which was below its previous valuation and the new owners are moving to drive business growth.
Jay Bernstein, partner at KPS said, “We’re thrilled to bring Augie back as an investor and a strategic partner. We’re confident that his experience and vision will help Life Fitness drive forward its legacy of being a strong, focused, and innovative global market leader.”
Life Fitness has also appointed Chris Clawson as its CEO, succeeding the outgoing Jason Worthy.
The company’s family of fitness brands includes Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT – all brought into the group by acquisition.
As Life Fitness has not yet optimised these investments, it will be interesting to see how strategy develops going forward under the new leadership and with Nieto back on the team.
Nieto has held numerous other non-exec and advisory roles and currently serves as an operating advisor to North Castle Partners while being on the board of Curves, Jenny Craig and Hydromassage.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
Swire Hotels’ luxury hospitality brand Upper House has revealed it will roll out its two-day
House of Healing retreats at its three hotels in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.
