Health and wellness franchisor Xponential Fitness has appointed Gavin O’Connor as its new chief legal counsel and administrative officer, marking a key leadership transition as the company strengthens its corporate governance and prepares for its next phase of growth.
O’Connor replaces outgoing chief legal officer Andrew Hagopian, who departed the company this week after nearly three years in the role.
The appointment comes at a strategic time for the Irvine, California-based franchising group, which owns leading boutique fitness brands including Club Pilates, Pure Barre, YogaSix, StretchLab, Rumble, Row House and AKT.
Who Is Gavin O’Connor?
O’Connor joins Xponential Fitness from European Wax Center, where he served as general counsel and chief administrative officer, overseeing legal strategy, compliance, corporate governance, and franchise-related matters.
His career spans more than two decades across major consumer brands and global franchises, with notable roles including:
- Nearly six years leading legal operations at European Wax Center
- Deputy general counsel at American Eagle Outfitters
- Eight years at GNC in multiple senior legal and compliance positions
- Earlier private practice leadership at McGuireWoods and Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti
His background combines extensive franchising expertise with regulatory oversight and experience advising publicly traded companies—a skill set that analysts say positions him well to guide Xponential through expanding compliance demands.
Why the Leadership Change Matters
Xponential Fitness has rapidly scaled its franchise portfolio in recent years, becoming one of the largest boutique fitness franchisors in the U.S. Its aggressive growth strategy has increased the need for:
- stronger franchise compliance frameworks
- governance enhancements as a publicly traded company
- international expansion oversight
- risk mitigation involving franchise relationships and regulatory scrutiny
Industry observers note that franchise-based fitness companies are facing heightened legal and operational pressures, including consumer protection regulation, labor classification issues, and franchisee disputes.
Xponential CEO Mike Nuzzo emphasized the importance of the appointment, stating:
“With extensive experience in franchising and a strong background advising publicly-traded companies, Gavin brings deep legal, regulatory and overall business leadership expertise that will support our on-going growth and governance framework.”
Strategic Goals Under O’Connor
According to company sources and industry expectations, O’Connor is expected to focus on:
- strengthening compliance systems across franchise operations
- improving governance policies and reporting standards
- supporting international franchise expansion
- enhancing legal risk management
- reinforcing franchisee relations
In a statement, O’Connor said:
“This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to leveraging my background in franchising and corporate governance to help strengthen our compliance framework, and support the business as it enters its next phase of growth.”
Departure of Former CLO Andrew Hagopian
Hagopian exits after nearly three years overseeing legal affairs during a period of significant brand expansion. His previous experience includes leadership roles at:
- Newlight Technologies
- BetMGM
- MGM Resorts International
CEO Mike Nuzzo thanked Hagopian for his contributions and wished him success in future endeavors.
Industry Trend: Fitness Franchises Strengthen Legal Teams
Xponential’s leadership shift reflects a broader movement within the fitness franchising sector.
Recent legal leadership appointments include:
- Planet Fitness, which hired Sarah Powell from GoTo Foods to head its legal department
- Crunch Fitness, which appointed its first general counsel, Chris Flowers, earlier this year
Analysts attribute this trend to increasing regulatory scrutiny and the need for stronger compliance frameworks as fitness franchises expand globally.
What’s Next for Xponential Fitness?
With expanding brand reach, increased investor expectations, and international growth plans, O’Connor’s appointment signals a heightened focus on:
- governance modernization
- franchise compliance
- risk reduction
- operational transparency
The company is expected to continue expanding its global footprint while reinforcing support systems for its franchise network.