SpeedFit, EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) personal training franchise company, has appointed former Jim’s Group Franchise Operations Manager and Bupa’s Regional Operations Manager, Craig Pritchard, to the newly created role of General Manager – Operations. In this role, Craig will oversee the SpeedFit’s operations with a large focus on east coast expansion.
What is Craig’s role entail at SpeedFit?
Craig brings expertise to the brand, with ten years in both the fitness and franchising industries. He has strong operational experience through the likes of Jim’s Group and Bupa, where he was in the role of Regional Business Performance Manager. Craig forms part of the SpeedFit leadership team, he is responsible for operations, franchising and network growth.
Craig’s first projects is to grow and support the VIC network, ensure that the franchise system has up to date policies and procedures, and ensure these are rolled out into every SpeedFit studio. As well as working with the team to set SpeedFit up as an NDIS provider.
The role was created in response to an impressive last 12 months of business where the company experienced an impressive 127% year-over-year growth FY 20/21, and opened 10 new studios across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and the NSW Central Coast.
Most recently the company has opened studios in East Gosford, NSW, the ACT, Karrinyup, WA and Bull Creek, WA and this month will expand into South Australia in North Adelaide.
What is Craig’s industry expertise?
Matej Varhalik, cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of SpeedFit, said, “Craig has showed some great results in leadership, onboarding and development of new franchisors and business growth and we are very excited to have him join the SpeedFit team.”
“Craig is a value based leader focused on meaningful business outcomes, and I welcome him to SpeedFit Head Office team. SpeedFit combines fitness science and tech with a personal touch so each client receives a program that is tailored to their health and wellness needs.”
“We pride ourselves on being able to do this in 20 minute sessions, which provides a big benefit for people living busy lives and looking for ways to use their time more effectively.”
Craig Pritchard, General Manager – Operations, SpeedFit, said, “I have been in the fitness and franchising industry for over 10 years and it is an industry that never stops evolving.”
“My initial focus with any team, whether it be Franchisor or SMB teams is ensuring that the right people are in the right position and are working cohesively towards a set of clear goals.”
“I’m excited to join SpeedFit at this time because I love the close-knit family feel of a small franchise system, and I believe it is poised for strong growth, particularly in the eastern states. I look forward to working alongside the team to take the business to the next level.”
Throughout his career Craig has applied his knowledge and experience to lead operations teams, coach new franchisors and manage stakeholder relationships. At Bupa he oversaw the operations of 120 Bupa-owned dental practices across six states and a total revenue in excess of $200 million. He lives by the motto “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”.
