[Editor's Note: This story was updated on May 3 with confirmation from RSG Group that 13 people from RSG Group North America (John Reed clubs and Heimat) were laid off on Feb. 24.]
RSG Group USA, which includes Gold’s Gym, promoted Danny Waggoner and Brian Warne to co-CEOs, replacing former CEO Sebastian Schoepe, the company announced on April 17.
RSG Group USA is part of RSG Group, which was founded by Rainer Schaller in Germany more than 20 years ago. RSG Group bought Gold’s Gym out of bankruptcy in 2020. Schaller, his partner and their children along with two other people were killed in a plane crash in October 2022. Schaller’s brother Gerd Schaller inherited the company, and in December, he named Dr. Jobst Müller-Trimbusch and Hagen Wingertszahn as co-CEOs of the RSG Group.
At that time, the company told Club Industry that Schoepe would remain as CEO of RSG Group USA where he had been heading up Gold’s Gym expansion as well as opening U.S. locations of RSG Group North America brands Heimat and John Reed Group. The company did not offer an explanation for Schoepe’s departure, but did say that Schoepe is still CEO of RSG Group North America but will be departing that role in the near future for another opportunity.
When asked about rumors that the opening of more Heimat and John Reed Group clubs in the United States is on hold, the company said: “We believe that the U.S. market is strong, and it is very interesting for us. We continuously evaluate all possible options in order to grow with the right brand at the right place as well as questioning our existing locations in regards [to] their profitability.”
Waggoner has worked his way up in the ranks at Gold’s Gym for the past 22 years, starting as a personal trainer. In July 2022, he was named senior vice president of operations, but he has also served as vice president of gym operations, divisional vice president, district manager, general manager, assistant general manager and sales associate.
Warne has been with the company since 2018, serving as controller and then senior vice president of finance before being named as CFO in 2021. Prior to coming to RSG Group, Warne spent time in various finance roles at Essilor, an ophthalmic optics company.
For now, Waggoner will continue as senior vice president of operations and Warne will continue as CFO in addition to being co-CEOs, according to the company.
“We believe that we have a talented and dedicated team to grow the business,” Waggoner said in the announcement.
Warne said: “Our goal is to preserve the heritage of Gold’s by continuing to create a great experience for team members and all gym members.”
RSG Group confirmed to Club Industry that on Feb. 24, 13 back-office employees of RSG Group North America (which is John Reed Clubs and Heimat) were laid off. The layoffs did not impact Gold's Gym, which is part of RSG Group USA, the spokesperson said.