Les Mills International Appoints Jason Paris as Chief Executive

Les Mills International has appointed corporate leader Jason Paris as its new CEO, with current managing director Phillip Mills, transitioning into a founder/director role.

Set to commence on October 6, the leadership succession follows a planned three-year stabilisation and reset period led by Phillip Mills following the global disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paris brings extensive commercial expertise in guiding large customer-centric enterprises through digital and corporate transformations across telecommunications, media, and digital services, having previously spearheaded major rebrand and expansion initiatives for high-profile New Zealand organisations.

Reflecting on his appointment, Jason Paris, said: “It’s an enormous privilege to be joining Les Mills International to help lead the next phase of growth.”

“What Phillip, Jackie and the Mills family have built over many decades is one of New Zealand’s great business success stories.

“I’ve always admired New Zealand brands that have a real impact globally, and Les Mills International has done exactly that.

“It has an outstanding team, an iconic brand and an incredible opportunity ahead.

“Every great business I’ve worked in has one thing in common: obsession over the needs of the customer.

“Les Mills is a great example of this, with an incredible global network of Instructors, club partners and participants.

“I can’t wait to start learning from these amazing people and supporting their success as we accelerate our mission to create a fitter planet,” he said.

Phillip Mills expressed strong confidence in the incoming executive, noting that the company is on a robust financial footing and well-prepared for its next strategic chapter.

Les Mills International founder, Phillip Mills, added: “Jason is an exceptional leader, truly as good as you get, and we’re delighted he’s decided to join us.”

“He brings deep commercial expertise, a modern leadership style, and a clear passion for building high-performing teams and strong cultures.

“I stepped back into the leadership of the business following the departure of our previous CEO, with a clear three-year commitment to complete a strategy reset and return the company to solid growth following the disruption COVID caused across the global gym industry.

“With the company on a strong footing and well-positioned for further expansion, now is the right time for me to hand over leadership to an energetic new CEO who can take us into our next exciting chapter,” Mills said.

With full operational decision-making passing to Paris, the organisation is positioned to accelerate its commercial objectives while maintaining its core mission within the global fitness industry.

The leadership change comes as Les Mills International looks to capitalise on its expanding global footprint across the fitness sector, leveraging Paris’s proven track record in driving customer obsession and scaling international networks.

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