Barry's Co-CEO Joey Gonzalez Named Executive Chairman and Co-CEO JJ Gantt Named CEO as Global Expansion Accelerates

After a decade of serving as CEO and most recently Co-CEO, Gonzalez transitions to Executive Chairman, while Barry's enters a new chapter of accelerated growth and continued brand excellence

MIAMI, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Barry's, the original boutique fitness trailblazer, today announced a leadership transition as it enters a new phase of global expansion: current Co-CEOs Joey Gonzalez and JJ Gantt will take on new roles, with Gonzalez becoming Executive Chairman and Gantt assuming the role of CEO. The brand plans to more than double its global footprint over the next four years.

"This new chapter is deeply personal," said Gonzalez. "It gives me the opportunity to spend more time in the field, listening, learning, and staying closely connected to the soul of our business: our studio teams and clients. While I'll continue to partner with the leadership team on Barry's vision and strategy, I'm eager to be back on the ground - where I can hear the music, feel the sweat, and witness firsthand the impact Barry's has on lives every single day."

During Gonzalez's 21 years with the brand, Barry's expanded to 92 locations across 16 countries and four continents, redefining boutique fitness and cultivating a powerful global community.  As Executive Chairman, he will partner with the leadership team in the brand's long-term vision and innovation, while CEO Gantt will assume leadership of the company including strategy execution, team development, and scalable growth. Gantt joined Barry's in 2018 as CFO then assumed the title of President in 2022 before being named Co-CEO in January 2024.

"I am honored and grateful to be named CEO at this inflection point in Barry's history. I have tremendous respect and admiration for this iconic brand and the global Fit Fam," said Gantt. "My Barry's journey first began in 2015 when I walked into the Barry's Chelsea studio for my first class. From that first sweat, I was hooked. I know the transformational power of this workout and community because my life was transformed. I am eager to build upon the strong foundation built over the past 27 years while continuing to partner with the incredible Barry's team as we strive to achieve our vision of transforming lives worldwide."    

With a new strategic investment from Princeton Equity Group, Barry's growth strategy reinforces its commitment to intentional expansion while preserving its premium workout and experience. Studio launches are planned in key U.S. markets including Charleston, Hoboken, Williamsburg, and Salt Lake City, following the recent opening of Barry's Navy Yard in Washington D.C. Internationally, the brand will launch new locations in Switzerland, Kuwait, and Greece, expanding on recent successful openings in Madrid and Dublin.

With more than 8 million visits in 2024, Barry's is scaling with purpose. "We are growing globally - but never at the expense of what makes Barry's special," said Gantt. "We're expanding with intention, ensuring every location delivers the amazing Red Room experience that has defined Barry's since its inception. We build more than just structures - we build communities. We are excited to continue to open new studios in markets across the globe."

As Barry's continues to grow, it remains rooted in the core values that launched a movement: connection and community. From Los Angeles to Singapore to Switzerland, every Barry's studio delivers on the same promise— to offer The Best Workout in the World™ in an environment that inspires both physical and mental transformation.

About Barry's
Barry's is the original high-energy cardio and strength interval training workout. Launched  in 1998 in Los Angeles,  it was the original pioneer in the global boutique fitness movement. Since then, it has grown from "The Best Workout in the World," to become not just a fitness leader, but a community and lifestyle brand  with innovative in-studio and digital class modalities, Fuel Bars, retail offerings, and a competitive loyalty program. With 92 studios spanning 16 countries, plus its digital offering,  Barry's X, Barry's now brings its global Fit Fam community with its signature Red Room workout experience  both virtually and physically.  Following the success of the original workout, Barry's expanded its class offerings to include: LIFT (a 50-minute class focusing on strength training) and RIDE (a 50-minute class offering high-intensity interval training style indoor cycling paired with lifting.)  Now a worldwide phenomenon with a cult-like following, Barry's makes working hard and getting strong, fun. For more information, visit: https://www.barrys.com/.

SOURCE Barry's