Virgin Active South Africa has a new MD
Virgin Active South Africa named Jessica’s Spira as its managing director (MD) three months after the appointment of Real Foods Group founder Dean Kowarski as group chief executive.
Spira, a CPA, has more than 22 years of experience and is the Head of Healthcare and Hospitality for Rand Merchant Bank’s healthcare business.
The new MD will start her job at South Africa’s largest gym group in October, a role she will take up after MD Mark Field was appointed the group’s chief financial officer in March.
Earlier this year, Virgin Active acquired Real Foods Group, which owns the new restaurant brands Kauai and NÜ, for R581 million.
Virgin Active’s new MD, Jessica Spira.
Supplied active virgin
Kowarski, founder of Real Foods, says that the demand for community-based exercise has increased, as consumers abandon physical exercise online during the pandemic.
“Leadership in the gym industry has been dominated by men, so Jessica’s appointment will bring a new perspective. Jessica pioneered RMB in developing solutions to support the aspirations of women in financial services and also will bring this passion to our industry.” ” he said.
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