In Their Own Right
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.
The Record
Gymshark
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.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
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.
Gymshark
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)
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
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.
In The News
Formative Years
Aerospace Engineering, BEng
2008 — 2011
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