WeightWatchers Advances International Growth With Strategic Leadership Appointment

Rhea-AI Summary

WeightWatchers (NASDAQ: WW) has appointed Alejandro Bethlen as Executive Vice President, International, to lead the company's global expansion efforts. Bethlen brings over two decades of experience in scaling consumer, e-commerce, and marketplace businesses worldwide, previously serving as Chief Merchandising Officer at Zooplus SE and holding senior roles at Amazon.

This strategic appointment comes as part of WeightWatchers' broader transformation, which includes recent leadership additions such as Dr. Kim Boyd as Chief Medical Officer, Uta Knablein as Chief Product Officer, and Julie Rice as Chief Experience Officer. The company aims to leverage its 50+ years of international presence and scientific expertise to expand its reach in global markets.

Positive

• Strategic expansion of executive leadership team with experienced international business leader
• Company maintains strong global presence with operations in multiple countries
• Demonstrates commitment to growth with recent appointments of several key executives

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+0.22%

1 alert

+0.22% News Effect

On the day this news was published, WW gained 0.22%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Alejandro Bethlen to Lead WeightWatchers’ Next Phase of International Growth and Innovation, Building on More Than 50 Years in Global Markets

NEW YORK, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WW International, Inc. (NASDAQ: WW) (“WeightWatchers” or the “Company”), the global leader in science-backed weight management, today announced the appointment of Alejandro Bethlen as Executive Vice President, International, effective immediately. In this role, Bethlen will oversee WeightWatchers’ business outside of the United States, driving international growth and innovation across the Company’s global footprint. With more than two decades of experience scaling consumer, e-commerce, and marketplace businesses worldwide, Bethlen will play a pivotal role in strengthening WeightWatchers’ leadership in weight health.

“Alejandro’s international experience and commercial leadership make him uniquely suited to advance our growth outside the U.S.,” said Tara Comonte, CEO of WeightWatchers. “He will build on WeightWatchers’ more than 50 years of international presence and global community of millions, helping us extend our reach with science-backed solutions that resonate with our members around the world in culturally relevant and exciting ways.”

WeightWatchers is the only weight health platform with true worldwide scale, serving millions of members globally through a holistic solution that includes a clinically proven, proprietary nutrition program, digital tools, community support, and select partnerships and licensing agreements. Across international markets, the Company delivers its science-backed programs both digitally and in-person, supported by dedicated coaches and local teams. As part of the Company’s transformation, Bethlen will accelerate global initiatives and innovation, expanding access to WeightWatchers and enhancing member impact worldwide.

Bethlen joins WeightWatchers from Zooplus SE, Europe’s largest online pet platform, where he served as Chief Merchandising Officer, overseeing more than €2 billion in vendor negotiations and driving significant growth across 30 countries. He previously served as CEO of The Bouqs Company, a leading U.S. direct-to-consumer floral e-commerce brand. Earlier in his career, Bethlen spent nearly a decade at Amazon in senior leadership roles across Europe and the U.S., including as General Manager of Amazon Flex International. He began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble.

“I’m thrilled to be joining WeightWatchers at such a pivotal moment in its journey. This brand has an incredible legacy of empowering people to live healthier lives, and I see tremendous opportunity to build on that foundation globally,” said Bethlen. “I look forward to working with the talented team at WeightWatchers to expand our international reach and bring our science-backed solutions to even more communities around the world.”

Bethlen joins WeightWatchers at a time of renewed momentum and investment in leadership talent across the organization. In recent months, the Company has expanded its executive team with leaders such as Dr. Kim Boyd as Chief Medical Officer, Uta Knablein as Chief Product Officer, and Julie Rice—entrepreneur and brand builder best known for co-founding Soul Cycle–as Chief Experience Officer, along with a number of other senior appointments across key functions. WeightWatchers also strengthened its Board of Directors with the addition of Mike Mason, a seasoned healthcare leader who previously spent more than 30 years at Eli Lilly. Together, this broadened team brings diverse expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the Company’s transformation and delivering lasting impact for members worldwide.

ABOUT WEIGHTWATCHERS
WeightWatchers is the global leader in science-backed weight management, offering an integrated support system that combines scientific expertise and human connection. With more than 60 years of experience, WeightWatchers is the most studied commercial weight management program in the world, delivered through its No. 1 U.S. doctor-recommended weight-loss program. Its holistic, personalized approach also includes U.S.-based clinical interventions, medications when clinically appropriate, and a global network of coaches and community support. Since 1963, the company has surrounded its members with the support they need to reach and sustain their goals, wherever they are on their journey. Members can access these solutions directly, or through WeightWatchers for Business’ full-spectrum platform for employers, health plans, and payers. In a landscape crowded with contradictory advice, isolating apps, and one-size-fits-all solutions, WeightWatchers offers a proven path forward, grounded in empathy and designed to help every member feel better in their body and live a longer, healthier life. For more information, visit weightwatchers.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kelsey Merkel
media@ww.com

FAQ

Who is the new Executive Vice President, International at WeightWatchers (WW)?

Alejandro Bethlen has been appointed as Executive Vice President, International at WeightWatchers, effective immediately. He previously served as Chief Merchandising Officer at Zooplus SE and held senior roles at Amazon.

What experience does Alejandro Bethlen bring to WeightWatchers (WW)?

Bethlen brings over 20 years of experience in scaling consumer, e-commerce, and marketplace businesses worldwide. He previously managed €2 billion in vendor negotiations at Zooplus SE across 30 countries and held senior leadership roles at Amazon.

What recent leadership changes has WeightWatchers (WW) made in 2025?

WeightWatchers has recently appointed Dr. Kim Boyd as Chief Medical Officer, Uta Knablein as Chief Product Officer, Julie Rice as Chief Experience Officer, and added Mike Mason to its Board of Directors.

How long has WeightWatchers (WW) been operating internationally?

WeightWatchers has maintained an international presence for more than 50 years, serving millions of members globally through both digital and in-person programs.

What is WeightWatchers' (WW) current global market position?

WeightWatchers is the global leader in science-backed weight management and the only weight health platform with true worldwide scale. It is the #1 U.S. doctor-recommended weight-loss program.