Steve Hewitt: The Visionary Leader Behind Gymshark’s Global Rise
When talking about transformative leaders in the fitness and lifestyle industry, Steve Hewitt stands out as a name synonymous with growth, resilience, and vision. From his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer at Gymshark to his more recent roles as Founder of We Are Whānau and Non-Executive Chair at Passenger, Hewitt has demonstrated an exceptional ability to scale brands while cultivating a strong culture of values and leadership. His career journey is not only a story of corporate milestones but also one of adaptability, integrity, and human-centred leadership.
Early Life and Education
Steve Hewitt was born on 31 May 1973, making him 52 years old today. His upbringing in the United Kingdom shaped his strong work ethic and competitive edge. Education was an important foundation for Hewitt, and he went on to study Business and Sport Management at Manchester Metropolitan University between 1991 and 1995. This academic background, bridging sport and commerce, became the cornerstone of his professional life, equipping him with both strategic and industry-specific skills that proved vital throughout his career.
Personal Life and Family
Although Hewitt is a well-known figure in business, he has kept his personal life relatively private. He is reported to be married to Joanne, and together they have two children—a son and a daughter. Family has always played an important role in his life, and in interviews he has spoken about the value of balance between personal commitments and professional responsibilities. His dedication to sport extends beyond his career, influencing the way his family engages with healthy and active living.
Early Career Foundations
Before making his mark at Gymshark, Steve Hewitt accumulated a wealth of experience in the sporting and apparel industries.
Reebok Europe (2001 – 2006)
Hewitt spent six years as Commercial Director for EMEA at Reebok, where he honed his skills in brand positioning, international growth, and partnership strategies. This period allowed him to understand the complexities of managing global distribution and marketing across diverse regions.
TigerTurf UK Ltd (2007 – 2012)
As Managing Director at TigerTurf, Hewitt oversaw one of the leading providers of synthetic turf surfaces. His leadership contributed to the brand’s growth in both sporting and leisure markets.
Sport Brands Group (2012 – 2013)
Hewitt then became CEO of Sport Brands Group, a company specialising in licensing and distribution partnerships with international brands. Working with names such as Timex Ironman, Sennheiser, and Hatton Boxing, he refined his expertise in building brand equity and high-growth sales strategies.
Sandee Worldwide Limited (2013 – 2020)
In October 2013, Hewitt took ownership of Sandee Worldwide Limited, a brand with over 35 years of authenticity in combat sports equipment and apparel. As Principal Owner, he helped the brand expand through licensing, distribution, and e-commerce platforms. The brand’s global reach and reputation for quality reflected Hewitt’s ability to manage both heritage and innovation.
Gymshark: The Defining Chapter
Perhaps the most defining part of Steve Hewitt’s career came with Gymshark, the fitness apparel giant that grew from a small start-up in Birmingham into a globally recognised brand.
Joining Gymshark
Steve Hewitt first became involved with Gymshark as an external advisor in 2014. By April 2015, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. His leadership came at a critical time when the company was transitioning from a promising start-up into a brand with international ambitions.
CEO (2015 – 2021)
During his tenure as CEO, Hewitt oversaw an extraordinary transformation. Gymshark’s annual revenue soared from around £4 million to over £400 million. He guided the brand through key moments, including its expansion into the US market and the professionalisation of its operations and leadership structures. His leadership style was rooted in values and culture, believing strongly that “people make the business.”
Executive Chair (2021 – 2022)
In August 2021, Steve transitioned to the role of Executive Chair, ensuring a smooth succession as founder Ben Francis reclaimed the CEO position. Hewitt continued to provide strategic oversight during this period.
Non-Executive Director (2022 – 2023)
From August 2022 to October 2023, Hewitt served as a Non-Executive Director, continuing to influence Gymshark’s long-term direction while pursuing new ventures of his own.
Life Beyond Gymshark
We Are Whānau (2022 – Present)
In November 2022, Steve Hewitt founded We Are Whānau, a consultancy dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and senior leadership teams in scaling SMEs with international ambitions. The venture reflects his passion for mentorship and his belief in the importance of people-centric leadership.
Passenger (2023 – Present)
Since May 2023, Hewitt has been serving as Non-Executive Chair at Passenger, a sustainable clothing brand inspired by travel and nature. His role involves guiding the company’s strategic growth, helping it balance commercial performance with purpose-driven values.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Steve Hewitt’s leadership philosophy centres on three pillars:
1. Culture and People
Hewitt has often stated that building a strong culture and surrounding yourself with the right people are the most important aspects of scaling a business. At Gymshark, he fostered a values-driven environment where trust and alignment mattered as much as performance.
2. Resilience in Adversity
One of the most telling moments in Gymshark’s growth came during the Black Friday system crash in 2015. Hewitt’s ability to turn this crisis into a learning opportunity is a testament to his resilience and pragmatism.
3. Clarity of Purpose
Hewitt has advocated for businesses to define their “North Star”—a guiding purpose and framework that aligns culture, audience, and strategy. This clarity enables consistent decision-making and sustainable growth.
Net Worth
Exact figures for Steve Hewitt’s personal net worth are not publicly available. However, it has been reported that he received around 5% equity in Gymshark when he became CEO in 2015. After the company was valued at over £1 billion in 2020, his stake was estimated to be worth approximately £40–50 million. Whether he still retains this full stake remains unknown, but his financial success is evident given his career trajectory and ownership stakes in multiple ventures.
Conclusion
Steve Hewitt’s career is a powerful example of how leadership grounded in values, culture, and clarity can transform businesses into global success stories. From his early roles at Reebok and Sport Brands Group to his pivotal leadership at Gymshark, and now his entrepreneurial projects with We Are Whānau and Passenger, Hewitt has consistently demonstrated vision and resilience. His legacy at Gymshark remains central to his story, but his ongoing ventures highlight his enduring passion for helping brands scale sustainably and authentically.
At 52 years of age, with a rich career and family life, Steve Hewitt continues to inspire entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. His journey proves that success is not just measured by numbers, but also by the culture, trust, and purpose you build along the way.
