Planet Fitness Announces CFO Transition: Former CFO Tom Fitzgerald Returns as Interim CFO
Key Points
- CFO Transition: Tom Fitzgerald, former CFO of Planet Fitness, has been appointed as Interim CFO. This follows the departure of Jay Stasz from the company.
- Executive Search Underway: Planet Fitness has initiated a comprehensive search for a permanent CFO, with the support of a leading executive search firm.
- Guidance Reaffirmed: The company has reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance, previously announced in February 2026.
- Strong Leadership Background: Fitzgerald brings over four decades of senior finance and operational leadership experience across multi-unit, consumer-facing businesses.
- Company Profile: Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness club operators globally, with approximately 20.8 million members and 2,896 clubs as of December 31, 2025.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company highlights ongoing risks and uncertainties that could affect future results, including competition, consumer demand, site expansion, operating costs, and debt management.
Detailed Report
Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT), a leading global fitness center operator, has announced a key executive change that could have implications for its strategic direction and investor confidence. Effective immediately, Tom Fitzgerald, who previously served as Planet Fitness’ Chief Financial Officer from 2020 to 2024, has been named Interim CFO following the departure of Jay Stasz.
The transition comes as the company kicks off a comprehensive search for a permanent CFO, engaging a top executive search firm to identify candidates. CEO Colleen Keating expressed confidence in Fitzgerald’s ability to lead during this interim period, citing his deep institutional knowledge, proven financial leadership, and experience guiding the company through significant growth and challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and major franchise acquisitions.
Fitzgerald, returning to a familiar role, stated his enthusiasm for supporting Planet Fitness through this transition. He emphasized the company’s strong brand, resilient franchise model, and significant long-term growth opportunities. His prior tenure included oversight of financial strategy, capital allocation, investor relations, and playing a pivotal role in major acquisitions.
About Tom Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald is a seasoned financial executive with over 40 years of experience in senior leadership roles at multiple consumer-focused, multi-unit businesses. In addition to his previous role at Planet Fitness, he has served as CFO and Senior Vice President at Potbelly Sandwich Works, President and CFO at Charming Charlie, Chief Administrative Officer at Sears Canada, and held senior positions at Liz Claiborne, Burlington Coat Factory, and Bath & Body Works. He holds an MBA in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida. Fitzgerald also sits on the board of Premier Franchise Management.
Implications for Shareholders
- Leadership Change: CFO transitions are often closely scrutinized by investors as they can signal potential shifts in financial strategy or operational focus. Fitzgerald’s return, given his experience and previous familiarity with the company, may be seen as a stabilizing move that could help maintain investor confidence.
- Strategic Continuity: The company’s commitment to its previously announced 2026 financial guidance is a significant statement of stability amid the transition, minimizing uncertainty for shareholders.
- Potential for Share Price Impact: Executive departures and appointments can impact share values, particularly in cases where the departing or incoming executive has a substantial track record with the company or industry. The immediate reaffirmation of guidance may help mitigate negative sentiment.
- Ongoing Uncertainties: Planet Fitness acknowledges several risk factors in its forward-looking statements, including competition, ability to attract and retain members, costs, expansion challenges, and debt obligations. Investors should remain aware of these potential risks, as unexpected developments could impact future results and share price.
Company Overview
As of year-end 2025, Planet Fitness operated nearly 2,900 clubs across the US and several international markets, serving over 20 million members. The company’s mission is to provide affordable, high-quality fitness experiences in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, with roughly 90% of clubs operated by independent franchisees.
Forward-Looking Statements
Planet Fitness cautions that forward-looking statements—including its 2026 guidance and CEO commentary—are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ. These risks include industry competition, consumer trends, expansion challenges, cost factors, and debt management, among others. The company encourages investors not to place undue reliance on such statements.
Contacts
For investor inquiries, contact Stacey Caravella at [email protected] or 603-750-4674.
For media inquiries, contact McCall Gosselin at [email protected] or 603-957-4650.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should review all available information and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions. The information provided is based on the latest company disclosures as of March 9, 2026, and may be subject to change.
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