In-Shape Health Clubs’ majority shareholder and previous CEO, Paul Rothbard, has returned to the company as CEO, In-Shape announced on Oct. 13.
Rothbard led the company for several years before joining the board of directors and pursuing opportunities outside the industry.
“My father started In-Shape over 40 years ago, and it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Rothbard said in the announcement. “I loved my time leading the company as CEO, learned a lot during my time away from the business, and I am now eager to return to the company and a role I love so much.”
In-Shape operates 44 full-service health clubs throughout California, down from the 65 clubs it had operated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and its December 2020 Chapter 11 filing caused by COVID-19.
In February 2021, Rothbard, Aquiline Capital Partners LLC and other investors purchased the company out of bankruptcy, eliminating $45.3 million of debt, according to Bloomberg Law.
Rothbard replaces Francesca Schuler, founder and executive advisor to the California Fitness Alliance, which was formed in April 2020 to advocate for the fitness industry in the state.
“We are grateful for Francesca’s leadership over the last few years and thank her for her contributions not just to In-Shape, but to the fitness industry as a whole,” Rothbard said. “We know her passion for changing lives through fitness will serve the California Fitness Alliance incredibly well.”
In-Shape’s leadership team remains the same with an equal balance of male and female leadership team members, adhering to the company’s focus on diversity.
“The executive team and I have major plans for the future of our business and are committed to bringing premiere fitness experiences to the communities we serve to inspire our members to live life well.”