Equinox Continues Aggressive Growth Strategy with Two Key Additions to Leadership Team

NEW YORK, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Equinox today continued its aggressive growth strategy with two key additions to its executive team, both with strong lifestyle credentials. Carlos Becil joins the team from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and will serve as Senior Vice President (SVP) of Marketing. Elizabeth Nolan, newly hired as Creative Director, joins from Victoria's Secret where she served in the same capacity. Equinox is internationally recognized for its commitment to lifestyle, hospitality, innovative programming, award-winning design and unparalleled focus on the members' experience.

"Carlos' experience in the hospitality industry, leading lifestyle brands through a new generation of design, marketing and guest experience will be instrumental to his role here at Equinox," said Sarah Robb O'Hagan, President, Equinox. "He brings a strong understanding of the constantly changing social landscape and will spearhead our marketing initiatives, consumer engagement programs, brand partnerships and work to identify growth opportunities."

A veteran to luxury businesses, Becil has extensive experience in the industry, most recently leading brand management for The W, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and Le Meridien brands under the Starwood Luxury & Design Brands portfolio. Becil was responsible for all marketing, PR, digital and social media and guest experience programs. Prior to his appointment at Starwood, Becil spent several years at Kraft Food leading the Nabisco division.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Equinox.  I have been a member for over 15 years and it's been exciting to have watched the company grow rapidly and expand with innovative new brands.   I'm looking forward to being part of the team," said Becil.

Also a longtime Equinox member, Elizabeth Nolan joins Equinox from Victoria's Secret where she was director of the brand's voice, strategy and concepting across all direct channels. Prior to Victoria's Secret, Elizabeth grew her career at Young & Rubicam and WPP where she worked on iconic, global brands including Stella McCartney, LG Appliances, American Express and Ford Motor Company.

"Elizabeth brings to Equinox a strong understanding of the fashion and lifestyle spaces," said Robb O'Hagan. "An award-winning creative thinker with an editorial lens, Elizabeth will be integral to continuing to fuel our global lifestyle brand. We are so excited to have both Carlos and Elizabeth on board."

"As a creative person who is also personally invested in fitness and well-being I'm incredibly excited to be joining Equinox," says Nolan. "When a company offers you the chance to be part of a rapidly expanding business that's also invested in groundbreaking creative work, it's really not something you can say no to."

About Equinox: Equinox Fitness Clubs operates 62 upscale, full-service facilities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services, and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel, and food/juice bars. Since its inception in 1991, Equinox has developed a lifestyle brand that represents service, value, quality, expertise, innovation, attention to detail, market leadership, and results. www.equinox.com.

In addition to the Equinox clubs, the company introduced in 2008 the first American outpost of Pure Yoga, Asia's premiere yoga studio and in 2011 Blink Fitness, a new brand of innovative, value oriented gyms. In May of that same year, Equinox acquired SoulCycle, the country's leading boutique cycling operator. Most recently, Equinox partnered with Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group to launch Creative Juice, a healthy juice cafe concept.

For more information, visit www.equinox.com

SOURCE Equinox