Anthony Geisler Suspended as CEO of Xponential Fitness Following Legal Scrutiny

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

Xponential Fitness, Inc. has made a significant shift in its executive leadership, appointing Brenda Morris as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This decision follows the indefinite suspension of former CEO Anthony Geisler, in light of ongoing investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Morris, a seasoned executive who has been on Xponential’s board since 2019, will take over leadership duties as the company navigates through these legal challenges. Alongside this change, Chelsea Grayson has been appointed as the Lead Independent Director of the Board.

Xponential’s board has formed a Special Committee of Directors, comprised of independent directors including Grayson, Jair Clarke, and Jeffrey Lawrence, to oversee the investigation into the matters that led to these legal proceedings.

Mark Grabowski, Chairman of Xponential, emphasized the board's confidence in Morris, stating, “The Board has determined that appointing Brenda Morris to serve as Interim CEO is in the best interest of Xponential, its employees, customers, franchisees, and shareholders.” He praised Morris’s deep involvement over the years and expressed a positive outlook for her leadership.

Echoing this sentiment, Morris acknowledged the significant growth and potential within the company since her tenure began, noting, “Since I joined the board in early 2019, I’ve seen firsthand the demand for our boutique health and wellness brands, leading to tremendous growth for Xponential reaching customers all over the world.” She expressed her commitment to continue driving the company's franchise model, optimize performance, and expand studio presence.

The board has also engaged a leading executive search firm to aid in the search for a permanent CEO, signaling a forward-looking approach to leadership transition and stability.

This leadership change occurs at a pivotal time for Xponential Fitness as it seeks to maintain its momentum in the health and wellness industry while addressing the challenges posed by the investigations.

The company has reiterated its commitment to full cooperation with the SEC and the new inquiry by the USAO, aiming to resolve these issues promptly and transparently.

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