Gymshark is one of the most popular fitness apparel brands in the world. Known for its stylish and high-performance workout clothes, Gymshark has become a favourite among fitness influencers, athletes, and gym lovers.
Many people wonder who owns Gymshark and how this brand grew so fast. In this article, we’ll explain who the current owner is, how the company started, and who is leading it today.
Gymshark Ownership Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Ben Francis |
| CEO | Ben Francis |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Parent Company | Independent |
| Headquarters | Solihull, England, UK |
Who is the Current Owner of Gymshark?
The owner and founder of Gymshark is Ben Francis. He is the face behind the brand and still plays a major role in its success. Ben Francis founded Gymshark in 2012, when he was just 19 years old. He started the company from his bedroom in Birmingham, UK. Today, Gymshark is a global fitness brand worth over £1 billion.
In 2020, a US private equity firm called General Atlantic bought a 21% stake in the company. But Ben Francis remains the majority owner, holding over 70% of the business.
About the Owner
Ben Francis was born in 1992 in England. He studied business and management at Aston University and worked part-time as a pizza delivery boy while starting Gymshark. He was also a fitness enthusiast and a YouTuber, which helped him understand what the fitness community needed.
Ben initially designed the website, printed the clothing himself, and even handled the orders. His dedication and vision turned Gymshark into a powerful global brand. In 2021, he became the CEO of Gymshark, returning to lead the company after stepping aside earlier.
Ownership Timeline or History
- 2012: Gymshark was founded by Ben Francis and his school friend Lewis Morgan.
- 2013–2016: The brand gained popularity through influencer marketing and social media.
- 2017: Lewis Morgan sold his shares and exited the company.
- 2020: General Atlantic acquired a 21% stake in Gymshark, valuing the company at over £1 billion.
- 2021: Ben Francis became the CEO again and remains the majority shareholder.
Gymshark’s Current CEO and Leadership Team
Ben Francis is the current CEO of Gymshark. He took back the role in 2021 to directly shape the company’s future. Earlier, the CEO position was held by Steve Hewitt, who helped Gymshark grow rapidly during his leadership.
Ben now leads the executive team and continues to push the company toward innovation, sustainability, and global expansion.
Is Gymshark Privately or Publicly Owned?
Gymshark is a privately owned company. It is not listed on any stock exchange, which means you cannot buy shares in Gymshark. The company is mostly owned by Ben Francis, with a minority share held by General Atlantic, a private equity firm.
FAQs
Q: Who started Gymshark?
Gymshark was started by Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan in 2012.
Q: Is Gymshark owned by a big company?
No, Gymshark is still mostly owned by its founder, Ben Francis. A private firm, General Atlantic, owns a small part.
Q: Who is the CEO of Gymshark in 2025?
Ben Francis is the current CEO of Gymshark.
Q: Is Gymshark a UK brand?
Yes, Gymshark is based in the United Kingdom.
Q: Can I buy Gymshark stock?
No, Gymshark is a private company and not listed on the stock market.
Final Thoughts
So, the owner of Gymshark is Ben Francis, the young entrepreneur who built the brand from his bedroom. He is also the CEO and main decision-maker at Gymshark. Even though a part of the company is now owned by General Atlantic, Ben Francis continues to lead the brand with passion and a strong vision. Gymshark remains a privately held fitness empire with millions of fans worldwide.
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