The exercise firm Les Mills International has been expanding globally and digitally under the direction of a marketing whiz for the past six years, but the guru is stepping down and has not yet been replaced.
On Friday morning, Clive Ormerod, who was promoted from chief marketing officer to lead role in July 2019, made the announcement in public.
“Leaving a company that you love and are passionate about is never easy, but on a personal level, you know you can make a difference in the world,” Ormerod said to the Herald.
Though he did not comment on his plans, he said he had “decided to take some time out with family and to recharge personally, before moving into a new opportunity in the new year” in a statement posted on Les Mills’ website.
“I feel like this is the right time to make this decision and hand the company over to the most capable team I’ve ever worked with. “I’ll be watching from the sidelines, supporting everyone.
Four-time Olympian Les Mills started Les Mills in 1968. Its patented exercises are offered in 21,000 clubs and gyms worldwide.
Ormerod told the Herald that when he looked back on his tenure at Les Mills, he was most pleased with the company’s ability to weather the pandemic and focus on its direct-to-consumer online exercise business.
“Considering the innovations and products we brought to market, we’re a much stronger company than we were six years ago. That was the most challenging time for the industry we’ve ever experienced.” I like to think that consumers have more options than in the past.
Les Mills’ finances were not made public because the company is privately held and is primarily controlled by the Mills family.
About 20% of the business is owned by the Accident Compensation Corporation, and Simon Moutter, the former CEO of Spark, also has a little stake.
Ormerod, according to executive director Phillip Mills, had a significant influence on the company, helping it navigate the “choppy waters” of the worldwide pandemic.
He has demonstrated a great deal of dedication, steering the company with a laser-like strategic focus and an unwavering work ethic.
“We’re sorry to see him go, but we respect his choice and hope the best for him.”
A quest was underway to find his replacement.
Ormerod described informing the team of his departure this week as a “tough call,” but he also noted that they had a significant chance to encourage more individuals to start exercising.
“The fitness sector is really fascinating. It’s the best category in the world, in my opinion, and there’s a great chance we can encourage individuals to relocate abroad.
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