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Planet Fitness (PLNT) taps former CFO Tom Fitzgerald as interim finance head, keeps 2026 outlook

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Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Planet Fitness, Inc. announced that Chief Financial Officer Jay Stasz has departed the company, effective March 9, 2026, and that former CFO Tom Fitzgerald has been appointed Interim CFO. The company stated that Mr. Stasz’s departure was not due to any dispute related to financial statements or results.

Fitzgerald previously served as CFO from 2020 through November 14, 2024 and later consulted for the company. Under a new employment agreement dated March 5, 2026, he will serve as interim CFO for an initial six-month term, with possible month-to-month extensions, and receive a salary of $250,000 per month.

The company has begun a search for a permanent CFO with an executive search firm and reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance previously announced on February 24, 2026.

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Insights

CFO change offset by continuity from a former finance chief and reaffirmed 2026 outlook.

Planet Fitness reported the departure of CFO Jay Stasz and appointed former long-time finance leader Tom Fitzgerald as Interim CFO. Fitzgerald’s prior tenure from 2020 to 2024, including during COVID-19 and a major franchise acquisition, supports continuity in financial leadership and strategy.

The interim agreement runs an initial six months, extendable month-to-month, at a salary of $250,000 per month and excludes participation in the Executive Severance & Change in Control Policy. The company has engaged an executive search firm to identify a permanent CFO, indicating a structured succession process.

Management explicitly stated that Stasz’s departure was not due to disagreements over reported financial statements, and the company reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance announced on February 24, 2026. Future updates on the permanent CFO search and any guidance changes will likely appear in subsequent company communications.

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Understanding 8-K Material Events →
false 0001637207 0001637207 2026-03-05 2026-03-05
 
 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

March 5, 2026

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

 

 

Planet Fitness, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-37534   38-3942097

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  

(Commission

File Number)

  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4 Liberty Lane West

Hampton, NH 03842

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (603) 750-0001 

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

☐

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

☐

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

☐

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

☐

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

 

Title of each class

  

Trading

Symbol(s)

  

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Class A common stock, $0.0001 Par Value   PLNT   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 
 

Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On March 9, 2026, Planet Fitness, Inc. (the “Company”) announced the departure of Jay Stasz, Chief Financial Officer, effective March 9, 2026. Mr. Stasz’s departure was not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the Company relating to reported financial statements and related financial results.

The Company also announced that Tom Fitzgerald, age 65, has been appointed as the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer, effective March 9, 2026. Mr. Fitzgerald served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer from January 2020 through November 14, 2024, after which he remained employed with the Company through December 31, 2024. He subsequently served in a consulting role with the Company periodically thereafter. Mr. Fitzgerald is a member of the board of Premier Franchise Management. He holds an MBA in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida. The Company has initiated a search for a permanent chief financial officer with the assistance of an executive search firm.

In connection with Mr. Fitzgerald’s appointment as interim Chief Financial Officer, on March 5, 2026, the Company and Mr. Fitzgerald entered into an employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with an initial term of 6 months (and up to three month-to-month extensions thereafter), pursuant to which Mr. Fitzgerald will receive a monthly salary of $250,000 per month.

The Agreement provides that Mr. Fitzgerald will not be eligible to participate in the Company’s Executive Severance & Change in Control Policy.

Mr. Fitzgerald has also agreed to certain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during his employment and for one year thereafter.

There is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Fitzgerald and any other person pursuant to which he was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company. There are no transactions involving Mr. Fitzgerald requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

The foregoing summary of the Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.

In connection with his departure from the Company, Mr. Stasz will be eligible to receive severance as an “Eligible Employee” under the Company’s Executive Severance & Change in Control Policy.

 

Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

A copy of the press release containing the announcement the Chief Financial Officer transition described above is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report on Form 8-K.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)

Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

   

Description

10.1    Employment Agreement, dated March 5, 2026, with Tom Fitzgerald
99.1    Press Release dated March 9, 2026 announcing Chief Financial Officer Transition
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

PLANET FITNESS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Sarah Powell

Name:   Sarah Powell
Title:   General Counsel
Dated: March 9, 2026

Exhibit 99.1

Planet Fitness Announces Chief Financial Officer Transition

Former CFO Tom Fitzgerald Appointed Interim CFO

Company Initiates Comprehensive Search for Permanent CFO; Reaffirms 2026 Guidance

HAMPTON, N.H. – March 9, 2026 – Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) (the “Company”), one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness center operators with more members than any other fitness brand, today announced that Tom Fitzgerald, who previously served as Planet Fitness’ Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Interim CFO, effective today. Fitzgerald’s appointment follows the departure of Jay Stasz from the Company. The Company, with the support of a leading executive search firm, has initiated the process to identify a permanent CFO.

“We are pleased to welcome Tom back to the Planet Fitness team as Interim CFO,” said Colleen Keating, Chief Executive Officer of Planet Fitness. “Tom brings deep institutional knowledge of our business and industry, and a proven track record of strong financial and business leadership. Having guided the Company through significant periods of growth, Tom’s broad background across several multi-unit brands and expertise driving value creation will support the execution of our long-term strategy as we conduct the search for a permanent CFO.”

“My time as CFO of Planet Fitness stands out as a highlight of my career, and I’m excited to return and support the Company through this interim period,” said Mr. Fitzgerald. “Planet Fitness has a powerful brand, a highly resilient franchise model, and significant long-term growth opportunity. As the Company conducts its search process for the next CFO, I look forward to working closely with Colleen and the leadership team to advance the Company’s strategic and financial objectives and strengthen our competitive edge.”

Ms. Keating continued, “I thank Jay for his contributions during his time with the Company. We appreciate his service and wish him success in his next chapter.”

The Company is reaffirming its 2026 financial guidance, as previously announced on February 24, 2026.

About Tom Fitzgerald

Tom Fitzgerald is a highly accomplished senior financial executive with more than four decades of experience in senior finance and operating leadership roles across multi-unit, consumer-facing businesses. He joined Planet Fitness as Chief Financial Officer in 2020, serving in that role through 2024, where his responsibilities included all aspects of financial leadership, including financial strategy, capital allocation, investor relations, and supporting the Company through the COVID-19 period, as well as playing a key role in the acquisition of one of Planet Fitness’ largest and best-performing franchisees.

Prior to joining Planet Fitness, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Potbelly Sandwich Works, held multiple leadership roles at Charming Charlie, including President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, and previously served as Chief Administrative Officer of Sears Canada. Earlier in his career, he served in senior leadership positions at Liz Claiborne (Chief Operating Officer), Burlington Coat Factory (Chief Financial Officer), Bath & Body Works (Chief Operating Officer), and began his career at PepsiCo.

Mr. Fitzgerald is a member of the board of Premier Franchise Management. He holds an MBA in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida.

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness clubs in the world by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2025, Planet Fitness had approximately 20.8 million members and 2,896 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. Approximately 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the Company’s statements with respect to 2026 financial guidance, those attributed to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in this press release, and other statements, estimates and projections that do not relate solely to historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “goal,” “plan,” “prospect,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “assumption,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “contemplate,” “future,” “strategy” and similar references to future periods, although not all forward-looking statements include these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are not assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and

many of which are outside of the Company’s control. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially include competition in the fitness industry, the Company’s and franchisees’ ability to attract and retain members, the Company’s and franchisees’ ability to identify and secure suitable sites for new franchise clubs, changes in consumer demand, changes in equipment costs, the Company’s ability to expand into new markets domestically and internationally, operating costs for the Company and franchisees generally, availability and cost of capital for franchisees, acquisition activity, developments and changes in laws and regulations, our substantial increased indebtedness as a result of our refinancing and securitization transactions and our ability to incur additional indebtedness or refinance that indebtedness in the future, our future financial performance and our ability to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, our corporate structure and tax receivable agreements, failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company’s information systems or technology, general economic conditions and the other factors described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s views only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates or representatives undertake any obligation to provide additional information or to correct or update any information set forth in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Contact:

Stacey Caravella, Planet Fitness

investor@planetfitness.com

603-750-4674

Media Contact:

McCall Gosselin, Planet Fitness

mccall.gosselin@planetcsc.com

603-957-4650

Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

What CFO changes did Planet Fitness (PLNT) announce on March 9, 2026?

Planet Fitness announced the departure of CFO Jay Stasz and appointed former CFO Tom Fitzgerald as Interim CFO, effective March 9, 2026. The company noted Stasz’s departure was not due to disagreements about financial statements or reported results, and it began a search for a permanent CFO.

Who is Tom Fitzgerald, the Interim CFO of Planet Fitness (PLNT)?

Tom Fitzgerald is a veteran finance executive who previously served as Planet Fitness Chief Financial Officer from 2020 through November 14, 2024. He later worked as a consultant to the company and has held senior roles at Potbelly, Charming Charlie, Sears Canada, Liz Claiborne, Burlington Coat Factory, and Bath & Body Works.

What are the key terms of Tom Fitzgerald’s interim CFO employment at Planet Fitness (PLNT)?

Under an employment agreement dated March 5, 2026, Tom Fitzgerald will serve as Interim CFO for an initial six-month term, with up to three month-to-month extensions. He will receive a salary of $250,000 per month and is not eligible for the Executive Severance & Change in Control Policy.

Is Planet Fitness (PLNT) changing its 2026 financial guidance with this CFO transition?

Planet Fitness reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance, originally announced on February 24, 2026, while announcing the CFO transition. This indicates the company is maintaining its previously communicated financial outlook despite the leadership change in the finance organization.

How is Planet Fitness (PLNT) approaching the search for a permanent CFO?

Planet Fitness has initiated a comprehensive search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer with the assistance of a leading executive search firm. Tom Fitzgerald will serve as Interim CFO during this process, providing continuity in financial leadership until a permanent successor is identified and appointed.

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