Ben Francis

Ben, founder and CEO of fitness apparel and manufacturer Gymshark, has an impressive and extensive list of entrepreneurial accolades. In 2018, he was included in Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list, which was followed shortly after by an appointment to the Government’s Business Council for Entrepreneurs. In 2020, he was also winner of the EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Prior to launching Gymshark, Ben created and released two fitness based iPhone apps, both of which entered the top charts on the UK App Store. In 2012, whilst still at university, the idea behind Gymshark was born. Originally starting out as dropshipping supplier of fitness supplements, Ben started designing and manufacturing Gymwear items from his parents’ garage in Bromsgrove, leaning on the sewing skills he had picked up from his grandmother. Gymshark was among the first and most noteworthy brands to make use of marketing through partnerships with social media influencers. In 2019, the company was included in The Sunday Times Fast Track list of fast-growing private companies. Less than 10 years after its inception, Gymshark has become one of the world’s leading fitness apparel brands, selling products in 131 countries across the globe. Following a deal with US-based private equity firm General Atlantic in 2020, Gymshark is estimated to be valued at over £1 billion.