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Vanessa Jodar
CEO Planet Fitness Group
Professional Background
Vanessa Jodar is a distinguished leader in the fitness and wellness industry, known for her unwavering commitment to helping individuals achieve their highest potential through sports and fitness. As the Chief Executive Officer of Planet Fitness Group, Vanessa has been at the forefront of a transformative movement since the company’s inception in 1996. With a belief that engaging in sports contributes significantly to overall well-being, she leads her team to improve the lives of countless individuals through motivational and effective fitness practices.
Under Vanessa's leadership, Planet Fitness Group has flourished, providing invaluable support to over 2,500 B2B partners. This global organization not only focuses on selling fitness programs and equipment but also emphasizes the development of a supportive and thriving fitness community. Vanessa’s strategic vision enables partners, instructors, and coaches to successfully bring their fitness objectives to life, ensuring long-lasting results for their clients.
Her extensive career includes multi-faceted roles that have equipped her with a deep understanding of the fitness sector. Before taking the helm at Planet Fitness Group, Vanessa served in several high-profile positions at Les Mills International, where she was pivotal in enhancing global sales and customer experiences. Her previous roles, including Global Club Performance Director and Global Education Director, underscore her versatility and expertise in the industry, enabling her to influence fitness programs and services worldwide. Vanessa also contributed significantly as the Group Fitness Manager at Les Mills New Zealand and as the Director of Training and Development at Les Mills Franc, fostering an educational environment for fitness professionals.
Education and Achievements
Vanessa Jodar’s academic credentials provide a solid foundation for her successful career in fitness and business management. She studied Health and Physical Education/Fitness at Candidat libre and later expanded her management acumen through Executive Education in Business Administration at HEC Paris, a prestigious institution renowned for its focus on leadership and innovation in business.
Her early studies included a focus on Mathematics and Physics at Pierre and Marie Curie University, which not only honed her analytical skills but also provided a scientific approach to problem-solving in the dynamic world of fitness. This diverse educational background empowers Vanessa to integrate strategy, creativity, and a deep understanding of physical education in her professional endeavors.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Vanessa has achieved notable milestones that speak to her dedication to excellence in the fitness industry. One of her outstanding achievements is the growth of Planet Fitness Group to operate in over 30 countries across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Western Africa, which showcases her ability to build a global brand.
Moreover, Vanessa champions the development of fitness instructors, having successfully supported more than 20,000 professionals in enhancing their employability and personal growth. By creating a nurturing environment where instructors can thrive, she addresses the need for quality education and training in the fitness sector, reinforcing her belief that well-prepared individuals can inspire healthier lifestyles among their clients.
In her capacity as CEO, Vanessa has fostered partnerships with premium global brands, including Les Mills, TRX, MYZONE, STAGES, BODYBIKE, and TRIGGER POINT, ensuring that her organization remains at the forefront of innovation in fitness solutions. Additionally, she has led the development of proprietary solutions through the company’s own brands, such as HBX and Planet Aqua. Through these initiatives, she continues to redefine fitness standards and provide unparalleled service to her partners and clientele.
Achievements