Karl Sanft

Karl Sanft is an accomplished executive leader with more than three decades of experience building teams, transforming businesses, and delivering results across the retail and fitness industries. Following a 20-year career at Best Buy, where he rose to Senior Vice President of U.S. Retail Operations, Karl joined 24 Hour Fitness as Chief Operating Officer in 2019 and later became President and CEO. His tenure at 24 Hour Fitness spanned one of the most consequential periods in the company's history. Karl helped lead the organization through pandemic disruption and bankruptcy, its subsequent re-emergence and stabilization, and a return to growth—ultimately culminating in the successful transaction of the company in January 2026. He remained CEO following the transaction, helping ensure stability and continuity through the transition before concluding his seven-year chapter with 24 Hour Fitness in August 2026. Throughout his career, Karl has built a reputation for authentic leadership, operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and leading organizations successfully through change.

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