Sophie Lawler

Sophie Lawler was appointed as Total Fitness CEO in June 2018, bringing her 25 years industry experience to the company with which she began her fitness journey in 2001.

Courage and an unwavering pursuit of progress have been the hallmarks of her career to date, with a track record of challenging but successful business transformations, both in the UK and internationally for Fitness First, and now at Total Fitness.

Driven by a belief that the potential of a business lies in the growth of its people, Sophie is known for her people-powered approach, and passion for leadership – going so far as to deliver Total Fitness’ leadership programme personally to all levels of the business. Since taking the helm at Total Fitness, Sophie set out to repair Employee Engagement and retention levels as an urgent priority, reviving the brand’s great purpose and belief, bringing it to life with a shared culture and powerful values. As a team committed to delivering their Employer Promise “More is Possible”, in December 2023 the business’ Employee Net Promoter (ENPS) stood at a world-class level of +50.

During the pandemic and beyond Sophie stepped into a leading public role as a voice of the sector – raising its profile and highlighting the essential nature of the great work its people do every day and reaching an audience of over 900 million with 300 appearances across broadcast, print and digital media including live broadcasts nationally on BBC breakfast, BBC News, Sky Business and Bloomberg. Unwavering in her priority commitment to retaining the loyalty and engagement of her teams, she sought the support of stakeholders and partners and guided Total Fitness towards a confident re-opening and subsequent restoration that saw the health club brand achieve pre pandemic levels in just over 12 months post reopening.

Re-setting and re-invigorating the direction of the business in the years since re-opening Total Fitness has developed an industry reputation as employer of choice, thought-leader and pioneer. Re-imagining Total Fitness from within, renewed with and committed to a compelling customer promise, and challenging industry norms, Sophie is dedicated to her self-penned role purpose to “build a business big enough to hold the potential of the team”.

Testament to the success of her strategic and people first leadership, Sophie has overseen 25% growth in the core membership base since the start of FY22, which has underpinned revenue growth of 34% over the same period.

Sophie has received national recognition for her success in transforming Total Fitness with a string of accolades:

•2025: Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist•2024: Winner Top 50 Inspiring Workplaces Awards UK and Ireland.•2023: Winner European Brand Management Awards; Winner Next Generation Initiative - UK Company Culture Awards; Finalist - British Training Awards.•2022: Role Model for Diversity and Inclusion (WiHTL); Awarded role on the UK Fitness Industry Membership council, representing middle market health clubs UK wide (3-year tenure).•2020: Top 5 Women in Sport 2020; Insider 42 under 42 2020.•2019: National Businesswoman of the Year; Top 100 Women in Hospitality & Leisure.

An accomplished public speaker, Sophie is regularly invited to speak at Private Equity, Consumer, or Sector events, 2024 includes (to date) Rainmakers Conference; Critical Eye Retreat; Interpath Leisure and Hospitality Seminar; Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure Roundtables.