Gymshark names Megan Thee Stallion as first-ever celebrity ambassador. Tom Bottomley 14 October 2026 Gymshark has named Grammy Award-winning American rapper and entrepreneur Megan Thee Stallion as its first-ever celebrity ambassador. The multi-year partnership marks the next chapter of Gymshark's 'We Do Gym' platform, under the banner of 'Megan Does Gym'. A new global campaign launching today, featuring Megan Thee Stallion training alongside women from Gymshark's network - lifting weights and flexing muscles - "brings the same confidence and discipline that defines her music to her relationship with the gym". Built around the singer/songwriter's own training philosophy and routine, including a mix of Pilates, HIIT, and weight training, the campaign shot by Jack Bridgland brings Megan's "Hot Girl Coach" persona into the world of fitness, all while showcasing the brand's latest training gear. Through the campaign, she invites the 'Hotties' - her famously devoted fanbase - and Gymshark's training community to build a routine "grounded in consistency and self-investment". Carly Natalizia, Chief Commercial Officer at Gymshark, said: "Championing strong women has been part of Gymshark's DNA since day one - not just physical strength, but the confidence to be completely yourself. Theindustry has always believed the gym is where women build themselves twice over: their bodies and their minds. "Megan embodies that better than almost anyone we could imagine, as she trains to get stronger, to clear her mind and to keep growing. That's exactly the story we've built this brand around. Megan is living proof of something we've believed since the beginning, that confidence is built." Megan Thee Stallion added: "Fitness has become such an important part of my life, so I'm really excited to partner with Gymshark. I'm a big believer that working out has a powerful impact on your physical and mental health and it's just one of the best forms of self-love and building confidence. "We all approach fitness differently, so I just want to encourage everyone to find the best routine that works for them, show up consistently and take on the gym with confidence." As part of the long-term partnership, the rapper joins Gymshark's global Athlete programme, a collective that spans elite competitors, coaches and creators, all using their platforms to motivate people to train and build confidence. The campaign will appear across Gymshark's paid and owned channels, retail touchpoints and as out-of-home (OOH) ads, with a dedicated online and in-store shopping experience where fans can shop the campaign looks alongside Megan Thee Stallion's own Gymshark favourites.

David Maskell swaps Ocado Group for Gymshark as he takes on Supply Chain Manager at fitness brand. David Maskell is starting a new position as Supply Chain Manager at Gymshark. He joins from Ocado Group where he served as Operations Manager. In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Ocado Group has been a big chapter of my career, with plenty of ups, downs, challenges and a hell of a lot of learning. Most importantly, I've met some amazing people along the way. Thanks to everyone who's been part of the journey." He added: "I'm really happy to say that I'm now moving on to the next chapter, joining Gymshark as a Supply Chain Manager. A new challenge, a new environment and something I'm genuinely excited about. Let's see what happens!" In July, Retailtechinnovationhub reported that Shaun Perkinson had joined Gymshark as its new Chief Technology Officer. He took over from John Douglas who entered the world of retirement. Ben Francis, CEO and Founder at Gymshark, commented: "Five years ago, John Douglas joined Gymshark to help us build the technology needed for our next stage of growth. Now, after an incredible career in technology, he's made the decision to retire. I can honestly say we wouldn't be where we are today without him." He added: "When John joined Gymshark, we were entering a pivotal stage in our journey. Over the last five years, he's led our technology function through some of the biggest moments in our growth. He's helped us scale, navigate complex challenges and set us up for the future, always bringing incredible experience, humility and calmness along the way. But what I'll remember most isn't what John built. It's the way he led. More than anything, John has made the people around him better. He's shared his experience generously, supported so many people across the business and left a lasting mark on our teams and our culture." Francis concluded: "John, thank you for everything you've done for Gymshark. Thank you for your leadership, your wisdom and the example you've set for all of us. I'm incredibly grateful for everything you've given this business and everyone in it. Wishing you nothing but happiness in this next chapter. You've more than earned it." Prior to Gymshark, Douglas was CTO at Tory Burch. His CV also includes stints at Burberry and MCM Fashion Group. 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world. Its winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November. Its 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson. In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: "This is the awards' fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA's HQ in the West End." "But I'm conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You're only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we've moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records." He added: "This year's submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable." Congratulations to its winners, and a big thank you to its sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended its 2025 gathering.

Phorest Summit 2027 announces first speakers. Early bird ticket pricing set to end this month. Published: 8 September 2026 The Phorest Summit 2027 will take place at the Gleneagle Arena in Killarney on 24 and 25 January 2027, bringing together salon, spa and clinic owners and managers for two days of education, networking and inspiration. 2027 edition. Formerly known as the Salon Owner's Summit, the event has been renamed to reflect the wider range of hair, beauty and medi-aesthetic businesses it now serves. The 2027 edition will also be the first Summit to take place outside Dublin, following 10 previous editions in the Irish capital. Looking beyond the Salon floor. The theme for the 2027 event is 'Beyond: What the Future Holds in Its Industry', with sessions exploring how businesses can respond to industry change and make use of emerging technology, including AI, while maintaining the personal relationships at the heart of the client experience. Speakers. The first speaker announcement includes Jon Petz, a keynote speaker, magician and mentalist who performs as an 'Amazement Artist'. His session will focus on performance and presence when leading a team, as well as the small details that can influence how clients remember their salon experience. Also joining the line-up is Stefanie Sword-Williams, founder of F*ck Being Humble, TEDx speaker and author. Sword-Williams will focus on helping salon owners and their teams communicate their value with confidence. Elfried Samba will also take to the stage. Samba previously spent seven years at Gymshark as Global Head of Social Content and Community, helping the company grow from one million to 20 million as the brand passed a £1 billion valuation. He now runs creative house Butterly 3ffect and will share insights into building a brand without a large media budget. "Owners spend the year solving problems for everyone else. Two days in Killarney gives them the room, and the people, to work on their own business," - Ronan Perceval, Phorest Founder & CEO. Networking opportunity. The Summit will also feature music, food and entertainment, alongside opportunities to connect with more than 750 owners, managers and industry professionals. Attendees will also receive an early hands-on look at new Phorest AI tools and product releases ahead of their general availability. Further speakers are expected to be announced in the coming months. Early bird pricing ends on 30 September 2026, with tickets for both days currently available via the Phorest Summit website HERE.