“An incredible journey” – Les Mills Group CEO Clive Ormerod announces departure

"Now feels like the right time to make this decision and to leave the company in the very capable hands of the best team I’ve ever worked with."

Les Mills Group CEO Clive Ormerod has today (9 November) announced he will stand down at the end of December after nearly six years with the global fitness leader.

Having joined the New Zealand-based company as Chief Marketing Officer in early 2018, Clive made an instant impact and was promoted to Group CEO in July 2019.

During his tenure, Les Mills significantly grew its global footprint through clubs and Instructors, while also scaling digital operations to provide an Omnifitness experience in line with the needs of modern movers.

The global pandemic had an enormous impact on the fitness industry and Clive successfully steered Les Mills through choppy waters with a resolute focus on helping people to keep moving when it mattered most. Since then, the company has continued to expand its operations and this year Clive unveiled a landmark partnership with adidas aiming to shape the future of training.

Clive Ormerod, Les Mills Group CEO, said: “After six amazing years at Les Mills and an incredible journey, I’ve decided to take some time out with family and to recharge personally, before moving into a new opportunity in the new year.

“It’s been a very special time and I feel proud of what we’ve achieved together in my six years with Les Mills. Now feels like the right time to make this decision and to leave the company in the very capable hands of the best team I’ve ever worked with.

“We work in the best industry and one which will play an increasingly important role in helping people live healthier, happier lives. I have no doubt the team at Les Mills – and the wider fitness industry – are beautifully placed to continue to change the world. And I’ll be cheering you all on from the sidelines.”

Phillip Mills, Les Mills Executive Director, said: “Clive’s had a huge impact on our business over the last six years, first as Chief Marketing Officer and then leading our business as CEO for the last four years.

“He has always passionately believed in our purpose and the profound impact movement can have on the planet. He has shown immense commitment, leading this business with strong strategic focus and a tireless work ethic.

“While we’re sad to see him go, we respect his decision and wish him all the best. We’re currently searching for his successor and will share further details in due course.”

ENDS

MEDIA REQUESTS: jak.phillips@lesmills.com

ABOUT LES MILLS

Les Mills is the global leader in group fitness and creator of over 25 programs available in leading fitness facilities around the world. Les Mills programs include the world’s first group exercise resistance training workout BODYPUMP™, BODYCOMBAT™ (martial arts), RPM™ (indoor cycling), BODYBALANCE™ (yoga), LES MILLS GRIT™ (30-minute high-intensity interval training) and the revolutionary immersive cycle experience, THE TRIP™. Each workout is refreshed and updated with new choreography and music every three months.

The company was founded by Les Mills – a four-time Olympian and head coach of New Zealand’s track and field team – who opened his first gym in 1968 with the aim of taking elite sports training to the masses. Today, Les Mills workouts are delivered by 130,000 certified instructors in 21,000 clubs across 100 countries, as well as via the LES MILLS+ streaming platform and Extended Reality (XR).