Ben Francis
Founder and chief executive of Gymshark
Ben Francis is the British entrepreneur who founded Gymshark, the fitness apparel brand that grew from a Birmingham garage into an international direct to consumer business. He is Gymshark's chief executive and is widely cited as an example of how social media and community can build a fashion brand.
| Role | Founder and CEO |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Gymshark |
| Founded | 2012, Birmingham |
| Investor | General Atlantic, 21 per cent stake (2020) |
| Revenue | 647 million pounds (year to July 2025) |
Who is Ben Francis?
Ben Francis is the founder and chief executive of Gymshark, a UK fitness apparel brand. He started the business in 2012 with school friend Lewis Morgan while studying at Aston University, which he later left to focus on the company. Gymshark has since become one of the best known British direct to consumer brands.
Career
Gymshark began in Birmingham with, in the company's own words, a sewing machine, a screen printer and big ambitions. It grew quickly by selling online and by working with fitness creators on social media.
In August 2020 the US investment firm General Atlantic acquired a 21 per cent stake, valuing Gymshark at more than one billion pounds. Steve Hewitt served as chief executive for a period and stepped down in 2021, after which Francis led the company as chief executive. Gymshark opened its first store on Regent Street in London in October 2022, followed by further UK stores; in 2025 it announced plans for its first US flagship, on Bond Street in New York.
Gymshark reported revenue of 647 million pounds in the year to July 2025. In July 2026 Retail Gazette reported that Francis, who holds a majority of the company, was in talks to buy back part of General Atlantic's stake.
Influence on the fashion business
Gymshark is a reference case for community led, digital first brand building. Rather than relying on traditional advertising and wholesale, it built demand through social media, fitness influencers and events, and sold mainly through its own online stores.
- Direct to consumer sales across online stores serving customers in more than 200 countries.
- Close relationships with athletes and creators.
- Physical stores added later as brand experiences.
Ben Francis and technology
Gymshark's growth was built on digital channels. The company has used Instagram and other social platforms as core marketing tools and operates 14 online stores, according to its own website. This digital first approach is a frequently cited example for younger fashion and sportswear brands.
Why it matters
Ben Francis showed how a founder with limited resources could build an international sportswear brand through e-commerce and community. Gymshark's path from online pure player to physical retail is closely watched by the wider fashion industry.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ben Francis?
Ben Francis is the British founder and chief executive of Gymshark, the fitness apparel brand he started in Birmingham in 2012. He built the company through e-commerce and social media into an international business valued at more than one billion pounds in 2020.
Who owns Gymshark?
Ben Francis holds a majority stake in Gymshark. General Atlantic acquired a 21 per cent stake in 2020, and in July 2026 Francis was reported to be in talks to buy back part of it.