Karl Sanft

Karl Sanft currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of fitness industry powerhouse 24 Hour Fitness. 

He oversees operations of the company’s network of approx. 240 clubs nationwide and has played an integral role in laying the groundwork for the brand’s successful business turnaround in recent years. Previously, Karl served as Chief Operating Officer for 24 Hour Fitness. In addition to overseeing company operations in this role, he was instrumental in spearheading transformative initiatives to personalize fitness for the company’s nearly 2 million loyal members and guests, including new membership pricing structures, extended operating hours, and small-group fitness programs and partnerships to enhance the membership experience.

Karl brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to 24 Hour Fitness from his nearly 30-year career building and managing consumer-focused companies, where he has been responsible for growing revenue and developing strong talent. This experience, along with his extensive field leadership roles and the multiple organizational transformations he has led throughout his career, serves as an invaluable asset to the 24 Hour Fitness team as it continues to expand its U.S. presence. Karl has also been a proud and active member of 24 Hour Fitness since 1993 – a personal connection that fuels his member-first leadership philosophy and deep understanding of the brand’s community.

24 Hour Fitness prides itself on its talented team of fitness professionals who deliver a personalized approach to fitness, offering each member a dynamic combination of in-club programs, innovative digital tools, and experiential events.  With these resources, each member is supported and empowered to achieve their fitness goals, whether they are inside or outside of the club environment.

Karl holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Arizona State University. He is an accomplished martial artist with over 20 years of kickboxing experience.  He recently retired from amateur kickboxing and enjoys spending time teaching self-defense to his young daughters, hiking, and exploring new high-intensity interval training regimens. Karl is also a speaker at Beyond Activ Americas in Dallas, USA.