Viva Leisure makes key appointments to lead franchise expansion

April 4, 2022

Fitness / Retail / Wellness /

Leading leisure group, Viva Leisure Limited has announced the appointment of industry veteran Kevin Mott as National Franchise Operations Manager and Kate Allott as National Operations Manager for its Rebalance brand.

Viva Leisure stepped into the franchising space when acquiring Australian Fitness Management Pty Limited (AFM), the master franchisor of the Plus Fitness brand of health clubs, in August 2020 and plans to rapidly expand its network franchising portfolio across Australia and overseas, offering Hiit Republic and Rebalance through its franchise business arm, Chain Collective Group.

With 32 successfully operating Hiit Republic (23 locations) and Rebalance (nine) studios in Australia, Mott and Allott will lead the Chain Collective Group’s growth strategy and continue to expand the franchise network.

Announcing the appointments, Viva Leisure’s Head of Franchising, Gordon Martin stated “Kevin and Kate bring a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, as well as a talent for strategic lateral thinking and the important 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 franchisor.”

Allott’s strategic leadership in member experience and execution of national fitness direction will be beneficial in the development and influence of the Rebalance franchise - backed by her elite background as a dancer, studio owner, club manager and personal trainer in corporately owned and large fitness franchises.

Looking forward to here new role, she advised “I’m excited to join Viva Leisure as National Operations Manager for Rebalance Pilates and Yoga, implementing and supporting the growth strategy as we transition the brand from being corporately owned to franchised.

“The continued growth and acquisition of Viva Leisure’s many brands is impressive, and I’m thrilled to be on this journey as they cement their position as a leading health club and operator across the globe.”

Mott joins Viva Leisure with three decades of international industry knowledge, in a move to advance Hitt Republic’s explosive franchise growth plan.

Having worked directly with over 200 franchisees across multiple brands in the last 10 years, building business performance based upon franchisor trust and strong franchisee engagement, he explains “Hiit Republic is built on a solid core of performing corporately owned studios and provides a tremendous foundation for franchisees to have trust in the model and I’m excited to join a group that has proven appetite for growth through people and innovation.”

Image: New Viva Leisure executives Kate Allott (left) and Kevin Mott. Credit: Viva Leisure.

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26th October 2021 - Viva Leisure launches Transactional Payment Gateway division

6th October 2021 - Viva Leisure experiencing share price rebound as it looks forward to facility reopenings

27th August 2021 - Viva Leisure enters trading halt as it looks to raise equity

13th July 2021 - Viva Leisure opens Club Lime and hiit republic gyms at Yamanto Central

27th May 2021 - Viva Leisure opens new clubs and launches new GroundUp studio brand

17th May 2021 - Viva Leisure ‘confident’ that it is dealing with franchising appropriately

15th April 2021 - Viva Leisure primed for growth with head of franchising appointment

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

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

25th May 2020 - Viva Leisure prepares for gym reopenings

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

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

29th August 2018 - Life Fitness equips Club Lime, CISAC with Australia’s first Apple GymKit application

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

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