24 Hour Fitness is owned by a group of investment firms—Sculptor Capital Investments, Monarch Alternative Capital, and Cyrus Capital Partners—and is led by CEO Karl Sanft. All 24 Hour Fitness clubs are corporate-owned, not franchised.
Understanding who owns 24 Hour Fitness is crucial if you’re considering a membership, investing, or simply curious about one of America’s largest gym chains. Knowing the company’s ownership, leadership, and business structure can help you make more informed decisions about joining or working with the brand.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ownership, CEO, and corporate structure of 24 Hour Fitness.
Who Owns 24 Hour Fitness?
24 Hour Fitness is privately owned by three major investment firms:
- Sculptor Capital Investments LLC
- Monarch Alternative Capital LP
- Cyrus Capital Partners LP
These firms acquired the company as part of a financial restructuring after 24 Hour Fitness filed for bankruptcy in 2020, mainly due to pandemic-related gym closures (Wikipedia). The company has since stabilized and continues to operate over 280 gyms nationwide.
Ownership Facts:
- Type: Private company (not publicly traded)
- Stock Ticker: N/A (privately held)
- Ownership Update: No plans to go public or franchise
Source: 24 Hour Fitness Company Profile.
Who Is the CEO of 24 Hour Fitness?
Karl Sanft serves as the President and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, officially taking the helm in June 2022 after serving as interim CEO and previously as Chief Operating Officer.
Quick Bio:
- Name: Karl Sanft
- Role: President & CEO since June 2022
- Background: Joined 24 Hour Fitness as COO in 2019; promoted after interim CEO tenure in 2021–2022
- Leadership Focus: Rebuilding the brand post-pandemic, improving member experience, and digital transformation
Karl Sanft is supported by a team of experienced executives:
- Chris Schmidt – SVP, Club Operations
- Debbie Fiorella – Chief Technology & Digital Officer
- Dean Myatt – General Counsel
- Stephanie Richmond – SVP, Human Resources
More about leadership: 24 Hour Fitness Leadership
Is 24 Hour Fitness a Franchise or Corporate-Owned?
All 24 Hour Fitness locations are corporate-owned. The company does not franchise its gyms or sell franchise rights to individuals.
Why is this important?
- You get a more consistent experience across all clubs.
- Membership terms, amenities, and pricing are standardized.
- Issues are handled by corporate, not by individual franchisees.
Key Facts:
- Franchise opportunities: Not available
- Corporate support: All clubs operate under direct corporate management
For more, see: Trusty Spotter – 24 Hour Fitness Franchise Info
Who Founded 24 Hour Fitness?
Mark S. Mastrov founded 24 Hour Fitness in 1983. He led the company for decades as CEO and chairman, helping grow it into one of the nation’s largest gym chains. Mastrov no longer has a leadership role, but his influence is still noted in the brand’s history.
Quick Timeline:
- 1983: Company founded by Mark S. Mastrov in California
- 2005–2014: Ownership changes hands several times; ultimately acquired by private equity
- 2020: Bankruptcy and restructuring
- 2022–2025: New executive team leads company’s recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24 Hour Fitness Publicly Traded?
No, 24 Hour Fitness is privately owned by investment firms. There is no public stock ticker.
Does 24 Hour Fitness Offer Franchise Opportunities?
No, the company operates a fully corporate-owned model and does not sell franchises.
Who Should I Contact for Support or Membership Questions?
For official policy updates, support, and membership details, visit the 24 Hour Fitness Help Center.
Conclusion
24 Hour Fitness remains a corporate-owned gym chain, led by CEO Karl Sanft and owned by top investment firms—not franchisees or public shareholders. This means members can expect a consistent, professionally managed experience nationwide.
If you’re considering joining or want to know more, visit the official 24 Hour Fitness website or contact customer support for the latest updates and offers.
Ready to take the next step toward your fitness goals? Explore your local 24 Hour Fitness club today!