Crunch Fitness Names Chequan Lewis Chief Executive Officer
August 19, 2026
Crunch Fitness is kicking off its next chapter with a familiar face at the helm. Chequan Lewis has been named Chief Executive Officer of Crunch Fitness, succeeding longtime CEO Jim Rowley, who will continue to help shape the future of Crunch as Executive Chairman. The leadership transition was announced in June 2026, at the opening of Crunch’s 2026 Global Franchise Convention in San Antonio, the largest gathering in company history.
Lewis steps into the CEO role during an exciting period for Crunch. The brand has grown into a $1.5 billion systemwide enterprise with more than 550 gyms serving 3.5 million members worldwide, and there’s plenty more ahead.
From Crunch President to CEO
Lewis joined Crunch as President in 2024 and has since worked closely with Rowley, franchise partners, and teams across the brand to support continued growth and innovation. As President, Lewis helped lead company and franchise operations with a focus on unit growth, operational performance, and the member experience. Now, as CEO, he’ll oversee Crunch’s day-to-day operations while continuing to lead member-experience innovation, branding and marketing, and the company’s long-term growth strategy.
“Crunch has never been stronger, and that strength reflects years of close collaboration with Jim, our franchise partners, and our teams across the brand, who have built something special over time,” Lewis said.
Before joining Crunch, Lewis held several leadership positions at Pizza Hut U.S., including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Equity Officer. His career also includes experience as a franchise lawyer at Pizza Hut and previous roles at Baker Botts and McMaster-Carr Supply Company. At Crunch, that experience has translated into a leadership approach centered on growth, strong franchise partnerships, and keeping the member experience at the center of what’s next.
Growing Crunch Without Losing What Makes Us Crunch
A lot has changed since Crunch first opened its doors in a basement-level aerobics studio in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1989. One thing hasn’t: our belief that fitness should be for everyone.
Today, Crunch has more than 600 gyms and 3.5 million members, with locations across 41 states and the District of Columbia as well as Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and India. As Crunch continues to grow, Lewis plans to build on that momentum while protecting the culture that got us here in the first place.
“As we enter this next chapter, our focus remains clear: to support our franchise network, invest in innovation, and grow the Crunch community in a disciplined way while staying true to the culture, values, and ‘No Judgments, No Limits’ experience that define this brand,” Lewis said.
In other words: more Crunch, without losing the Crunch.
Learn more about Crunch Fitness and our No Judgments philosophy.
Jim Rowley Steps Into a New Role as Executive Chairman
After serving as CEO, Jim Rowley has transitioned to Executive Chairman of Crunch Fitness. In his new role, Rowley will remain actively involved in the company, focusing on Crunch’s vision, long-term strategy, and overall performance.
Rowley joined Crunch in 2009, when the company had just 36 locations. Since then, he’s helped guide Crunch through an extraordinary period of franchise expansion, international growth, membership growth, and investment. Today, that 36-gym business has become one of the world’s largest fitness brands, with more than 550 locations and millions of members.
“Chequan and I have built a close, trusted partnership, which gives me real confidence in his leadership as he steps into the CEO role,” Rowley said. “I’m excited to move into a role focused on strategy, results, and performance, helping guide our current priorities and future plans that will shape the next phase of Crunch’s growth.”
The transition keeps that experience close while giving Lewis the reins for Crunch’s next era.
The Next Chapter of Crunch Fitness
Crunch has come a long way from that first basement studio in Greenwich Village, but we’re still built around the same idea: make serious fitness fun and give everyone a place to work it out without judgment. As CEO, Lewis will lead Crunch’s continued expansion while investing in innovation, supporting the franchise network, and finding new ways to make the Crunch experience even better for members. It’s a new chapter, not a new playbook. With Lewis and Rowley continuing their partnership in new roles, Crunch is building on years of momentum while keeping its eyes firmly on what’s next.
Find a Crunch Fitness gym near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crunch Fitness Leadership
Who is the CEO of Crunch Fitness?
Chequan Lewis is the Chief Executive Officer of Crunch Fitness. He was named CEO on June 22, 2026, after serving as President of Crunch Fitness since 2024.
Who is Chequan Lewis?
Chequan Lewis is the CEO of Crunch Fitness. He is a Howard University and Harvard University Alum. He joined Crunch as President in 2024 and has helped lead company and franchise operations, growth, and innovation. Before Crunch, Lewis held senior leadership positions at Pizza Hut U.S., including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Equity Officer.
When did Chequan Lewis become CEO of Crunch Fitness?
Chequan Lewis was appointed CEO of Crunch Fitness on June 22, 2026. His promotion was announced at the opening of Crunch’s 2026 Global Franchise Convention in San Antonio.
Who was the CEO of Crunch Fitness before Chequan Lewis?
Jim Rowley was the longtime CEO of Crunch Fitness before Chequan Lewis. Rowley joined Crunch in 2009 and helped grow the company from 36 locations to more than 550 gyms worldwide.
What is Jim Rowley’s role at Crunch Fitness now?
Jim Rowley is Executive Chairman of Crunch Fitness. He remains actively involved in the company with a focus on vision, long-term strategy, and overall performance.
How many Crunch Fitness locations are there?
As of August 2026, Crunch Fitness has more than 600 gyms serving 3.5 million members worldwide, including locations across the United States and international markets.
Where is Crunch Fitness headquartered?
Crunch Fitness is headquartered in New York City. The brand was founded in a basement-level aerobics studio in Greenwich Village in 1989 and has since grown into a global fitness brand.
Is Crunch Fitness a franchise?
Crunch Fitness includes a large network of independently owned and operated franchise locations. Franchise expansion has played a significant role in Crunch’s growth in the United States and internationally.
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