WW International, Inc. (formerly known as WeightWatchers International, Inc.) is a publicly traded health, wellness, and weight loss company. Headquartered in New York City, USA, it offers programs related to weight loss, nutrition, fitness, mindset/behavioural health, and, more recently, telehealth services.
It was founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch. Over the decades it has evolved from in-person meetings and group workshops to digital-first services, apps, coaching, and telehealth.
As of February 2025, the CEO is Tara Comonte, who also serves as leader of major strategic direction shifts (such as expanding more into telehealth/clinical subscriptions).
Ownership Status of WW International, Inc.
WW International is not privately owned. It is a public company, with its shares traded and held by various shareholders—both institutional and individual.
Because it is public, there is no single owner. The ownership is spread among:
- Institutional investors (mutual funds, pension funds, etc.)
- Company insiders (executives, board members, etc.)
- Retail investors (ordinary individuals who own shares)
Major Shareholders & Key Recent Changes
Here are some of the recent ownership highlights and major investors:
| Shareholder / Entity | Approximate Ownership / Notes |
|---|---|
| Institutional Investors | The bulk of the company is owned by institutional investors. Eg: about 7.56% of shares are held by institutional investors per recent data. |
| Insiders (Company Executives etc.) | There is a smaller percentage held by insiders; in recent data around 1.42%. |
| Oprah Winfrey (former major stakeholder) | Oprah bought a 10% stake in 2015, became a board member. However, she announced she was leaving the board and donating her shares in February 2024; she is no longer considered a related party. |
Recent Developments in Ownership & Financial Status
- In May 2025, WW International filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The move is aimed at restructuring and reducing its heavy debt burden.
- As part of that, they plan to eliminate much of their debt and reorganize the company’s finances so they can emerge stronger.
- The leadership has changed over time: Sima Sistani stepped down as CEO in September 2024. Then Tara Comonte, previously on the board, took over. She is now leading WW through the bankruptcy and transition.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of WeightWatchers?
There is no single owner. WeightWatchers (WW International, Inc.) is a publicly traded company with ownership spread among institutional investors, insiders, and retail shareholders.
2. Is WeightWatchers privately owned or publicly traded?
It is publicly traded. Its shares are held by many investors.
3. Who founded WeightWatchers?
Jean Nidetch founded it in 1963.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. Oprah Winfrey, who had owned a stake and served on the board, left in early 2024 and donated her shares. Also, the company recently restructured its debt under bankruptcy protection, which will change the balance among lenders, creditors, and shareholders.
5. Who is leading the company right now?
The CEO is Tara Comonte (since February 2025), and the company is going through financial reorg and strategic shifts.
WW International (WeightWatchers) official site
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