Carly Natalizia

Carly Natalizia’s Biography

Carly Natalizia is Chief Commercial Officer at Gymshark, having been promoted from her previous role as Chief Digital Officer in early 2026. She continues to report directly to Gymshark’s Founder and CEO, Ben Francis.

As Chief Commercial Officer, Carly supports Gymshark’s ambition to become a fully omnichannel business. This includes introducing new products, scaling emerging business channels and continuing to lead the optimisation of the brand’s digital journey as it grows and evolves.

Commenting on her appointment, Carly said she was proud to evolve “in sync with the brand” and to support Gymshark as it continues its journey towards becoming a wholly omnichannel company.

Carly joined Gymshark in 2022 as Vice President of Marketing and later served as Global Marketing Director, before becoming the company’s inaugural Chief Digital Officer. Known for her authentic and empathetic leadership style, she played a central role in driving digital transformation and enhancing customer experience during a period of rapid growth.

Before joining Gymshark, Carly honed her skills across... Carly Natalizia is Chief Commercial Officer at Gymshark, having been promoted from her previous role as Chief Digital Officer in early 2026. She continues to report directly to Gymshark’s Founder and CEO, Ben Francis.

As Chief Commercial Officer, Carly supports Gymshark’s ambition to become a fully omnichannel business. This includes introducing new products, scaling emerging business channels and continuing to lead the optimisation of the brand’s digital journey as it grows and evolves.

Commenting on her appointment, Carly said she was proud to evolve “in sync with the brand” and to support Gymshark as it continues its journey towards becoming a wholly omnichannel company.

Carly joined Gymshark in 2022 as Vice President of Marketing and later served as Global Marketing Director, before becoming the company’s inaugural Chief Digital Officer. Known for her authentic and empathetic leadership style, she played a central role in driving digital transformation and enhancing customer experience during a period of rapid growth.

Before joining Gymshark, Carly honed her skills across multiple sectors, developing a strong understanding of digital strategy and consumer behaviour. She spent over 15 years in financial services with organisations including Bank of America, MBNA and Virgin Money, before moving into retail as Chief Marketing Officer at The Very Group.

Whilst at The Very Group, Carly served as a member of University of Liverpool Management School’s advisory board, offering guidance to help the school engage with the global business community. She is passionate about supporting, coaching and inspiring female leaders.

Carly has a degree in criminology from Lancaster University and an MBA from The University of Leicester. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Carly Natalizia’s Newsfeed

TheIndustry.Fashion

Gymshark promotes digital boss to CCO to drive omnichannel growth

Carly Natalizia’s Background

Gymshark

Chief Commercial Officer

Feb 2024 - Present

Solihull, UK

Gymshark is a British gym wear brand founded in 2012. Headquartered in Solihull, UK, it has grown significantly, achieving a valuation of over £1 billion by 2020. Gymshark has made a significant impact in the fitness industry, especially through its innovative use of influencer marketing.

Gymshark

Global Marketing Director

Jun 2022 - Feb 2024

Carly joined Gymshark as VP Marketing, International. After 8 months in the role she was promoted to Global Marketing Director.

The Very Group

Chief Marketing Officer

Feb 2019 - May 2022

London, UK

The Very Group is a UK-based online retailer and financial services provider, known for its digital department store brands such as Very and Littlewoods. Carly Joined as Customer Management and Performance Marketing Director before swiftly being promoted to CMO.

Virgin Money

Marketing Director, Virgin Money Digital Bank

Oct 2013 - Dec 2018

London, UK

Virgin Money is a UK-based financial services brand, part of the Virgin Group. It offers banking, savings, mortgages, credit cards, and investment products, focusing on innovation and customer service to stand out in the competitive banking sector. Carly joined as Head of Marketing, Cards & Spending Accounts before becoming Marketing Director for Virgin Money Digital Bank.

NatWest Group plc

Head of Customer Acquisition

Apr 2011 - Oct 2013

Edinburgh, UK

NatWest Group is a major British banking and financial services company. As Head of Rewards for NWG's credit card customers, she oversaw a budget of £25mn. She moved into the role of Head of Customer Acquisition where she was responsible for developing strategic marketing plans and campaigns.

Bank of America

Head of Marketing

May 2006 - Apr 2011

Chester, UK

During her tenure at BoA UK, Carly rose to the position of Head of Marketing, reporting to the CMO. She was responsible for the acquisition of new customers through all channels, led a team of over 50 employees and oversaw a £20mn budget.

MBNA

Acquisition Marketing Manager

Sep 2001 - May 2006

Chester, UK

After graduating from university, Carly joined MBNA on a fast-track management programme. She became Acquisition Marketing Manager where she was responsible for all data driven marketing activity.

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Previous Advisory Roles

University of Liverpool Management School

Member of Advisory Board

Feb 2020 - May 2022

Interviews

Owning Your Power: Drop the Ego & Keep Rising Higher

Video Interview

Sep 2025

In this episode of the ease podcast, leadership coach Sam Wigan sits down with Carly to discuss her extraordinary journey from studying criminology and working first jobs packing flapjacks, to her ascent as Gymshark's first Chief Digital Officer.