Poised for Global Expansion, Equinox Fitness Clubs Appoints Cynthia Nicholson Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Strong double-digit growth and national success have attracted both investment and talent to Equinox Fitness Clubs, a brand leader across the fitness, yoga (with its Pure Yoga brand) and lifestyle categories.  With the announcement today that Cynthia (Cie) Nicholson, former CMO of PepsiCo North America, has joined the Equinox team as Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), the company is advancing its strategy to become a global lifestyle brand.

Nicholson, considered to be one of the top marketing executives in the country, has two decades of experience launching, building and marketing consumer brands, with responsibility for over 35 brands during her tenure as CMO of Pepsi.  She brings to Equinox leadership, knowledge, experience, and proven success in brand strategy, product innovation, sports marketing, media, and digital and consumer marketing.  Ms. Nicholson is the co-founder and principal strategist of two start-up companies, and in addition to a wealth of experience in large, international corporations, including R.J. Reynolds Company, she has the heart and drive of an entrepreneur.  

"Cie is a forward-thinking leader who understands how to build and expand a brand into new, profitable markets.  She is the best of all worlds: an award winning marketing executive with an exceptional track record in one of the most competitive global businesses, a natural leader and developer of talent, and a successful manager with a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit.  Cie will help us identify and capitalize on domestic and international growth opportunities as we execute our vision of building a global lifestyle brand.  We are very excited to have her join our team," says Harvey Spevak, CEO, Equinox.

"I am thrilled to be joining Equinox at such an important point in the company's growth and expansion.  The Equinox lifestyle brand has something unique and compelling to offer both an expanded domestic and international marketplace. Equinox has tremendous brand equity that defines quality, innovation and attention to detail through its design and diverse offerings. That's a great message in any language," says Cie Nicholson.

About Equinox: Equinox Fitness Clubs operates 48 upscale, full-service facilities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Dallas and DC. 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

About Pure Yoga: Americans first became acquainted with Pure Yoga, Asia's premier yoga studios, when the company partnered with Equinox in 2008 to open its first U.S. location on New York City's Upper East Side and a second location in 2009 on the Upper West Side. Pure Yoga is best known for its extensive schedule and for housing an incredible variety of both traditional and contemporary yoga practices in one 20,000 square foot modern minimalist space. Its more than 20 full-time certified instructors are dedicated and passionate. Workshops for all levels taught by internationally-acclaimed guest yoga masters and world-respected teacher training programs round out Pure Yoga's offerings to ensure students experience a deeply rewarding yoga journey. Visit pureyoga.com for more information.  

SOURCE Equinox Fitness Clubs