Rich Sanders

Rich Sanders’ Biography

Rich Sanders is the Chief Financial Officer of Gymshark, appointed to the position in September 2025 following a period as Interim CFO beginning in November 2024. He first joined Gymshark in March 2021 as Head of Group Corporate Finance, before becoming Strategy Director in October 2023. Based at the company’s Solihull headquarters, he works closely with founder and CEO Ben Francis as part of Gymshark’s Senior Leadership Team.

As CFO, Sanders leads Gymshark’s financial strategy during one of the most ambitious growth phases in the company’s history. His remit focuses on sustainable expansion while strengthening revenues and margins, building on a period of significant progress. In the past five years, Gymshark has more than doubled revenues, opened flagship stores in London, Amsterdam, Dubai and Manchester, and is preparing for its first permanent US retail site in New York City.

Prior to joining Gymshark, Rich spent over seven years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s leading professional services firms. He progressed through senior associate and managerial roles... Rich Sanders is the Chief Financial Officer of Gymshark, appointed to the position in September 2025 following a period as Interim CFO beginning in November 2024. He first joined Gymshark in March 2021 as Head of Group Corporate Finance, before becoming Strategy Director in October 2023. Based at the company’s Solihull headquarters, he works closely with founder and CEO Ben Francis as part of Gymshark’s Senior Leadership Team.

As CFO, Sanders leads Gymshark’s financial strategy during one of the most ambitious growth phases in the company’s history. His remit focuses on sustainable expansion while strengthening revenues and margins, building on a period of significant progress. In the past five years, Gymshark has more than doubled revenues, opened flagship stores in London, Amsterdam, Dubai and Manchester, and is preparing for its first permanent US retail site in New York City.

Prior to joining Gymshark, Rich spent over seven years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s leading professional services firms. He progressed through senior associate and managerial roles before becoming Assistant Director, Corporate Finance. During his tenure, he completed PwC’s Midlands Leadership Programme and the national Emerging Leaders Programme, both designed to support the development of high-performing managers.

Beyond his executive career, Rich contributes to the wider business community. He is a member of the ICAEW Retail Advisory Group, providing insight on the challenges and opportunities facing the retail sector, and he volunteers as a business mentor with the King’s Trust, supporting young entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders.

Sanders holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Manchester and is a qualified chartered accountant, achieving ACA status with first-time examination passes. He also holds a Motorsport UK ARDS licence and a Private Pilot Licence, qualifying him to fly light aircraft. READ MORE VIEW LESS

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The Retail Bulletin

Gymshark appoints Rich Sanders as CFO on a permanent basis

Rich Sanders’ Background

Gymshark

Chief Financial Officer

Sep 2025 - Present

Gymshark is a global fitness apparel brand known for its innovative gym wear that combines style, comfort, and performance. Founded by Ben Francis in 2012, it has grown into a leading name in the fitness community, inspiring athletes and enthusiasts worldwide.

Gymshark

Various roles

Aug 2025 - Aug 2021

Birmingham, UK

Rich Sanders joined Gymshark in 2021 as Head of Group Corporate Finance. He later became Strategy Director, leading strategic initiatives to support the company’s growth and international expansion. After nine months as Interim CFO he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in August 2025.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Assistant Director - Corporate Finance

Jan 2021 - Mar 2021

Birmingham, UK

PwC is a leading global professional services firm, providing assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients worldwide. Its UK Corporate Finance division provides independent advice on mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, and strategic transactions, supporting clients ranging from private businesses to large corporates and investors.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Various roles

Sep 2013 - Dec 2020

Birmingham, UK

Rich Sanders joined PwC as an Associate in the Tax practice, progressing to Senior Associate before moving into Business Recovery Services in 2016. In 2017 he transitioned into Corporate Finance, where he advanced from Senior Associate to Manager, taking part in PwC’s Midlands Leadership Programme and national Emerging Leaders Programme.

Alantra

M&A Analyst

Sep 2011 - Jul 2012

Birmingham, UK

Alantra is a leading global investment bank and asset manager with a strong presence in the UK mid-market. Its West Midlands team specialises in advising regional entrepreneurs, corporates, and private equity investors on mergers and acquisitions, debt advisory, and strategic growth transactions.

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Previous Board Positions

Air End Repair Ltd

Non-Executive Director

Apr 2013 - Sep 2023

Birmingham, UK

Based in Birmingham, Air End Repair Ltd specialises in servicing, reconditioning and repairing screw compressors, rotary compressors, blowers, vane compressors, gearboxes and related compressor equipment.

Accreditation

Association of Racing Driver Schools (ARDS)

Novice Driver Training Course

Dec 2023

The Association of Racing Driver Schools (ARDS) is the UK-based body, recognised by Motorsport UK, that oversees and accredits racing schools and instructors and administers the Novice Driver Training Course (the “ARDS test”) required for obtaining a first circuit racing licence.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)

Nov 2015

London, UK

The ACA qualification, offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), is a globally recognised accountancy programme. It blends practical work experience with exams and professional development, providing trainees with the technical expertise and business skills needed to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

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Memberships

ICAEW Retail Community / Advisory Group

Member

May 2023 - Present

The ICAEW Retail Community / Advisory Group is a professional network within the ICAEW that offers resources, technical guidance, and networking opportunities specifically for members working in or with the retail sector.

Mentoring

The King's Trust

Business Mentor

Jun 2023 - Present

London, UK

The King’s Trust is a leading UK youth charity, founded by King Charles III in 1976 (as The Prince’s Trust), dedicated to helping young people aged 11 to 30 build brighter futures. As a business mentor with the Trust, Rich provides guidance and support to young entrepreneurs.

Rich Sanders’ Education

The University of Manchester

Aerospace Engineering, BEng

2008 - 2011

Chief Financial Officer

Gymshark

Solihull, UK

Rich Sanders’ Biography

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Rich Sanders’ Background

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