About Services Profiles Press Contact

Ben Francis MBE

Founder & CEO

Gymshark

Birmingham, UK

Ben Francis

ENTtech Media Group LLC

Mark Edward Partners

Ben’s Biography

View moreless

Ben Francis MBE is the CEO, founder and ambitious entrepreneur behind leading fitness brand, Gymshark.

In December 2020 Ben was voted EY's UK Entrepreneur of the Year. Earlier that year, Ben struck a deal with General Atlantic that valued Gymshark at more than £1bn. The valuation means that Gymshark joins the list of less than 25 British companies to have secured 'unicorn' status since 2001.

Ben founded Gymshark when he was 19 years old and still a student at Aston University. He famously juggled his full-time studies with working as a pizza delivery man in order to fund his Gymshark venture.

The business has grown from an operation in Ben’s garage to one of the most recognised fitness brands in the world. The company credits its success to a strong online presence, continuous innovation and a commitment to producing high-quality performance wear.

Ben was Chief Executive Officer of Gymshark until 2015 and applied his expertise in business, social media marketing, sales and fashion and market research, as well as his understanding of the value of collaborating with social... Ben Francis MBE is the CEO, founder and ambitious entrepreneur behind leading fitness brand, Gymshark.

In December 2020 Ben was voted EY's UK Entrepreneur of the Year. Earlier that year, Ben struck a deal with General Atlantic that valued Gymshark at more than £1bn. The valuation means that Gymshark joins the list of less than 25 British companies to have secured 'unicorn' status since 2001.

Ben founded Gymshark when he was 19 years old and still a student at Aston University. He famously juggled his full-time studies with working as a pizza delivery man in order to fund his Gymshark venture.

The business has grown from an operation in Ben’s garage to one of the most recognised fitness brands in the world. The company credits its success to a strong online presence, continuous innovation and a commitment to producing high-quality performance wear.

Ben was Chief Executive Officer of Gymshark until 2015 and applied his expertise in business, social media marketing, sales and fashion and market research, as well as his understanding of the value of collaborating with social media influencers in order to grow visibility. He continued to use these skills in executive roles at Gymshark until August 2021 when he once again took on the role of CEO.

He studied Business and Management at Aston University but decided to stall his studies in order to dedicate more time to Gymshark. Prior to founding Gymshark, Ben also developed iOS apps - two of which made it into Apple's fitness charts.

Recognised for his contribution as a young entrepreneur, Ben was nominated as one of Forbes 30 under 30 in Retail and E-commerce in 2018, the same year Gymshark’s revenue hit $120 million. In 2016 Gymshark was confirmed as one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies by Fast Track in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list. In January 2023 Ben Francis was awarded an MBE for services to commerce and economy. moreless

Ben’s Newsfeed

The Guardian

Gymshark founder who launched £1.25bn empire in parents’ garage awarded MBE

Ben Francis is recognised for services to commerce and economy in the new year honours list.

The Sunday Times

The UK’s 100 biggest taxpayers revealed

Ben Francis is the youngest taxpayer in The Times’ list of the UK's Top 100 Taxpayers, and said that he was proud to contribute to the country in every way he can.

View News Archive

Ben’s Social Media

Ben’s Background

Gymshark

Founder & CEO

Aug 2021 - Present

Birmingham, UK

Founded by Ben in 2012, Gymshark has grown into a leading sportswear brand and in 2020 acheived 'unicorn' status after being valued at over £1 billion. The business credits its success to a strong online presence, continuous innovation and high-quality performance wear.

Gymshark

Chief Product Officer

Jul 2020 - May 2021

Birmingham, UK

Gymshark

Chief Marketing Officer

Aug 2019 - Jul 2020

Birmingham, UK

Gymshark

Chief Brand Officer

Jul 2015 - Jun 2018

Birmingham, UK

Gymshark

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Jul 2012 - Jul 2015

Birmingham, UK

Manière De Voir

Co-Founder & Director

Dec 2013 - Apr 2018

Birmingham, UK

Manière De Voir is a premium clothing and accessories fashion brand based in the United Kingdom. The unisex clothing range is designed in-house with a focus on garment construction, innovative and sustainable fabrics, customised prints and unique finishings.

View allHide

Ben’s Gallery

Ben Francis and Gymshark shipping container

Ben Francis at Gymshark Distribution Centre

Gymshark's Sweaty Selfie campaign for NHS

Ben Francis at No 10 Downing Street

Ben Francis signing $1billion deal

Sky News announcing Gymshark £1bn deal

Ben Francis outside distribution centre

Ben Francis winning Fast Track award

Ben Francis and Gymshark shipping container

Ben Francis at Gymshark Distribution Centre

Gymshark's Sweaty Selfie campaign for NHS

Ben Francis at No 10 Downing Street

Ben Francis signing $1billion deal

Sky News announcing Gymshark £1bn deal

Ben Francis outside distribution centre

Ben Francis winning Fast Track award

Media

Entrepreneur: Ben Francis on Transforming the Fitness Apparel Space

Podcast

Jan 2022

Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal

Podcast

Sep 2021

Gymshark’s founder and CEO, Ben Francis, talks to Ali Abdaal about his journey from delivery pizza boy to head of a billion dollar company.

View allHide

Interviews

The Interview: Gymshark founder Ben Francis on his ambitious vision for retail

Oct 2022

Ben Francis spoke to TheIndustry.fashion about what 19 year old Ben,who had just founded Gymshark, would say today.

How Gymshark boss Ben Francis is building an ‘iconic global brand’

Oct 2022

View allHide

Features

GQ Heroes: Ben Francis interview

Nov 2021

Forbes Daily Cover Story: Ben Francis

Dec 2020

Awards & Recognition

Aston University

Honorary Degree Awardee

Apr 2022

Birmingham, UK

Ben Francis was awarded an honorary degree by Aston University in recognition of his entrepreneurship and outstanding business achievement.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

UK Winner 2020

London, UK

EY's Entrepreneur Of The Year UK has been celebrating, supporting and connecting entrepreneurs since it first launched in the UK over 20 years ago. Reflecting on the award, Ben says he was: “Proud and humbled to be the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 UK winner at what is an incredibly exciting time for Gymshark.”

Forbes 30 under 30 - 2018

30 Under 30 - Europe - Retail & Ecommerce

2018

Forbes 30 under 30 is a list issued annually by Forbes magazine that recognises leaders, innovators and trailblazers in various industries that are under the age of 30.

The Sunday Times Profit Track 100

Winner 2020

London, UK

The Sunday Times International Track 200 Awards

Winner 2019

London, UK

The Sunday Times Profit Track 100

Awardee 2019, ranked 2nd

London, UK

The Sunday Times Fast Track 100

Winner 2016

London, UK

View allHide

Charitable Interests

Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity

Patron

Jun 2021 - Present

Birmingham, UK

In June 2021 Ben became Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity’s first-ever Patron. Driven by his desire to give back to his community, Ben will help the charity improve the lives of women, babies, children and families, both in Birmingham and further afield.

Sweat for your NHS Campaign

In April 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gymshark raised £180,000 for the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital by encouraging people to ‘sweat for the NHS’. The company donated £5.00 for every 'sweaty selfie' posted to social media, enabling the hospital to buy vital medical equipment and continue their life-saving work.

Ben’s Education

Aston University

Business and Management