Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Ben Francis

Ben Francis (born 4 June 1992) is a British entrepreneur, the co-founder, CEO, and majority owner of , a leading global apparel and accessories brand headquartered in , . He launched the company in 2012 at the age of 19 from his parents' garage in , , initially focusing on screen-printed gymwear and supplements sold at events, before expanding into a model that propelled to unicorn status. Under his leadership, has grown into one of the UK's fastest-growing companies, achieving a valuation exceeding $1.3 billion following investments from firms like , and generating £607.3 million (over $770 million) in annual revenue for the fiscal year ending July 2024. Francis's success has made him Britain's youngest self-made billionaire, with a of $1.3 billion as of 2025, ranking him among the world's youngest billionaires. Born in the West Midlands, , Francis grew up in and attended before enrolling at in to study and marketing. He dropped out after one year to dedicate himself full-time to , which he co-founded with school friend Lewis Morgan while working part-time as a delivery driver to fund the venture. Early operations involved purchasing a £1,000 screen-printing machine to produce custom gym clothing, with initial sales at exhibitions and through influencers in the fitness community. By leveraging platforms like and for grassroots marketing, rapidly scaled, reaching 1 million customers within five years and expanding internationally, particularly in the market. In , Francis briefly stepped down as CEO to pursue other interests but returned in 2021 to refocus the company's growth strategy, overseeing innovations in and retail , including flagship stores in and the opening of its first permanent store in in October 2025. His contributions to British business were recognized with an in the 2023 New Year's Honours List for services to the . Beyond entrepreneurship, Francis serves as the first patron of the Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity since 2021, supporting fundraising efforts that have raised millions for pediatric and maternity care.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Ben Francis was born on 4 June 1992 in the West Midlands, . He grew up in a supportive family environment in , , a town near , where his parents provided space in their garage for his early creative projects. His grandmother played a key role by teaching him to sew, fostering his initial hands-on skills in crafting. Francis's upbringing in the area exposed him to fitness culture from a young age, as he joined school friends at local gyms, igniting his passion for and . This early immersion in physical training shaped his lifelong dedication to health and athletics.

Education

Francis attended in , completing his secondary education around 2010. In 2011, he enrolled in a business and management degree program at Aston University in Birmingham, a local institution influenced by his upbringing in the nearby West Midlands region. During his studies, Francis worked part-time jobs, including delivering pizzas for Pizza Hut, which helped him develop time management skills and accumulate initial capital for entrepreneurial ventures. However, in 2012, at the age of 19, Francis dropped out of to dedicate himself fully to his burgeoning fitness business, , prioritizing its growth over completing his . This decision marked a pivotal shift, allowing him to focus on amid the demands of building the company from his parents' home.

Career

Founding Gymshark

Ben Francis co-founded in 2012 at the age of 19 alongside his school friend Lewis Morgan, launching the venture from his parents' garage in , , . Driven by his personal passion for and a perceived gap in affordable, well-fitting gym apparel, the duo initially focused on an online dropshipping model for fitness supplements sourced from third-party suppliers. Early marketing efforts centered on grassroots tactics within the fitness community, including attending bodybuilding events to network and distribute samples directly to enthusiasts. and also leveraged emerging platforms by partnering with micro-influencers—primarily bodybuilders and gym-goers—who promoted products in exchange for free gear, helping to build organic buzz without a large advertising budget. The startup faced significant initial challenges, including scarce financial resources that forced Francis to juggle operations with a part-time pizza delivery job while still in college; he later dropped out to dedicate himself fully to the business. Recognizing limitations in the supplements niche and driven by dissatisfaction with existing apparel options, the pair pivoted to custom gymwear design, investing early profits in a basic sewing machine and screen printer to produce and print their own clothing from the garage.

Company growth and leadership

Gymshark experienced viral growth in 2013, propelled by strategic campaigns and partnerships with influencers, which dramatically increased sales from around $500,000 annually to millions within a year and prompted a pivot from supplement sales to full-scale apparel manufacturing. This surge was fueled by distributing free products to key influencers on platforms like , boosting daily sales from $450 to thousands, and establishing as a brand rooted in its garage origins. Under Ben Francis's leadership, the company underwent significant operational scaling, including the opening of a new £5 million headquarters in in 2018, which housed expanded facilities like a photo studio, gym, and creative spaces to support growing teams and innovation. In 2015, Francis stepped down as CEO to take on non-executive roles focused on , , and product , allowing him to pursue other interests while Steve Hewitt assumed the CEO position to professionalize operations. He returned as CEO in August 2021 to refocus on long-term strategy amid accelerated global expansion. Gymshark achieved a $1.45 billion valuation in 2020, operating in over 180 countries with revenue of £607.3 million for the ended July 2024, reflecting 's majority ownership of more than 70% stake. This milestone positioned as the UK's youngest self-made billionaire in 2020 at age 28, with his reaching $1.3 billion by April 2023.

Investments and expansions

In 2020, Ben Francis facilitated the sale of a 21% stake in to the private equity firm for approximately $300 million, valuing the company at over $1.3 billion and providing capital for accelerated growth while retaining majority control through his increased ownership exceeding 70%. Gymshark has pursued expansion into physical alongside its foundation, opening its first permanent store on London's in 2022, which exceeded performance expectations and prompted further global store plans. The company has established a presence in international markets, including operations in the —accounting for about 50% of sales—and , complemented by pop-up experiences such as a theatrical revival of its line in in May 2025. Additional permanent stores include a second location in in 2024, a debut European store in in June 2025, and its first store at Roosevelt mall in , which opened on October 11, 2025. In February 2025, announced plans to open its first flagship store at 11 in , a four-story space spanning 15,000 square feet designed to strengthen its North American footprint as a blueprint for future regional outposts; it is scheduled to open in December 2025. Gymshark has reinvested profits into technology and enhancements, including the Innovation Lab for developing sustainable materials and optimizing operations to reduce carbon footprints through eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices across its third-party manufacturing network.

Awards and philanthropy

Honors and recognitions

Ben Francis has received several prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to , , and the industry. In , he was named to the Europe list in the Retail & Ecommerce category, highlighting his innovative approach to building from a garage-based startup into a rapidly expanding online fitness apparel brand. In 2020, Francis was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year, an accolade that celebrated 's exceptional growth, including its status as one of the 's fastest-scaling companies during a period of global economic challenges. This recognition underscored his leadership in driving the company's revenue from humble beginnings to hundreds of millions annually. Francis's impact on business and the fitness sector was further acknowledged in the , where he was appointed for services to commerce and the economy. The honor, bestowed by the British monarch, reflects his role in fostering economic growth and inspiring youth entrepreneurship through Gymshark's global expansion. More recently, in 2025, Francis was included in the inaugural Global Fitness 100™ list by the Gym Revival Group, which identifies the 100 most influential leaders shaping the $100 billion global fitness ecosystem, emphasizing his influence on innovation and community-driven fitness culture. Beyond these formal awards, Francis has been frequently profiled in business media as a self-made billionaire and role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, with outlets like Forbes noting his journey from a 19-year-old founder to a net worth exceeding $1 billion through strategic scaling of Gymshark.

Charitable contributions

In June 2021, Ben Francis became the first-ever patron of the Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity, committing to ongoing support for pediatric and services in the region. This role builds on Gymshark's prior contributions, including a £180,000 donation in 2020 raised through the global #NHSSweatySelfie campaign during the , where nearly 36,000 selfies uploaded by participants prompted £5 donations each to support hospital services. Francis has continued fundraising efforts via platforms like , leveraging Gymshark's community to raise awareness and funds for specialized care at the hospitals. Francis has also directed philanthropic support toward enhancing fitness accessibility, particularly for women. In 2021, he donated £20,000 to help launch a female-only in , created by fitness influencer Natalee Barnett to provide a safe, inclusive space addressing barriers like and accommodating diverse groups, including women wearing hijabs and those with disabilities. The initiative, The Girls Spot gym, faced controversy in March 2025 when it announced a policy excluding trans women, reversing an earlier inclusive position and drawing backlash for alleged transphobia and . This aligns with Gymshark's emphasis on community-driven health promotion, using the brand's platform to foster broader access to exercise. Beyond direct donations, Francis has integrated into Gymshark's operations, viewing as a form of . Post-2023 commitments include targets for 100% recycled in products by 2025 and a 50% reduction in by 2030, alongside joining the WRAP Textiles 2030 initiative for and partnering with Thrift+ to extend the lifecycle of pre-loved apparel. These pledges reflect a strategic effort to minimize environmental impact while supporting global conditioning communities.

Personal life

Family

Ben Francis married Canadian model and entrepreneur Robin Gallant on September 9, 2021, in , following their engagement earlier that year. The couple welcomed identical twin sons on December 24, 2022, each weighing around 5 pounds 12 to 15 ounces at birth. The couple welcomed their third child, a son, on December 7, 2024. The family resides in the area, where Francis maintains close ties to his family roots. Francis has noted that fatherhood has emphasized the importance of work-life balance for him, allowing him to prioritize family time alongside his professional commitments.

Lifestyle and interests

Ben Francis maintains a strong dedication to , rooted in his early passion for , which he began pursuing at age 17. As a core personal interest, he incorporates regular exercise into his daily routine, including a consistent gym session at 6:30 p.m. each evening to serve as a grounding checkpoint amid his demanding schedule. This habit underscores his commitment to physical health, aligning with the and workout culture that inspired Gymshark's origins. Francis resides in the West Midlands, , where he owns properties that reflect his professional success while keeping him closely tied to his roots. He operates from , near his parents' home outside the city, and has previously lived in affluent areas like Barnt Green, emphasizing a lifestyle that balances luxury with regional connections. His home, described as being "in the middle of nowhere" with a 45-minute commute to Gymshark's , allows for a relatively private yet accessible existence. Beyond his primary venture, Francis nurtures interests in broader , including mentoring aspiring founders through shared insights on building and scaling. He actively follows technological trends in the apparel industry, drawing from Gymshark's innovative use of platforms like and to engage audiences. His public persona is amplified on , where he maintains an account with over 650,000 followers as of 2025, regularly posting motivational content on fitness regimens and entrepreneurial advice.

References

  1. [1]
    Ben Francis - Forbes
    Ben Francis is the founder and CEO of Solihull, England-based sportswear brand Gymshark. Francis sold a 21% stake to private equity firm General Atlantic in ...
  2. [2]
    How Gymshark Founder Ben Francis Built A Sportswear Unicorn
    Apr 5, 2023 · Ben Francis started sewing his own workout gear as a 19-year-old college student and pizza delivery guy in 2012. Today he's one of the world's youngest ...
  3. [3]
    Gymshark founder who launched £1.25bn empire in parents' garage ...
    Dec 30, 2022 · Ben Francis, 30, among slew of businesspeople recognised for services to commerce and economy in new year honours list.
  4. [4]
    Gymshark Profits Take A Dive Despite Strong U.S. Sales Growth
    Apr 24, 2023 · Founded in 2012 by British entrepreneur Ben Francis from the bedroom of his parent's home, the company is now valued at over $1.3 billion ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    The World's Youngest Billionaires 2024 - Forbes
    Apr 1, 2024 · Ben Francis*. Age: 31 | Citizenship: United Kingdom | Source of Wealth: Gymshark | Net Worth: $1.3 Billion. When he was a 19- ...
  6. [6]
    Who is the CEO of Gymshark? Ben Francis MBE's Bio - Clay
    Sep 13, 2024 · Ben Francis MBE, born in 1992 in the West Midlands, England, is a British businessman who has played a pivotal role in the founding and growth ...
  7. [7]
    The 26-year-old with a £100m sportswear brand - BBC
    Sep 30, 2018 · This week we speak to Ben Francis, founder of UK sportswear brand Gymshark. It is hard to know how a then 19-year-old Ben Francis had the time ...
  8. [8]
    How Gymshark Became A $1.3 Billion Brand, And What We Can Learn
    Aug 18, 2020 · The company, started by Birmingham U.K.-born Ben Francis in 2012, now age 28, has entered into a strategic partnership in order to expand ...
  9. [9]
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2020/08/17/how-gymshark-became-a-13bn-brand-and-what-we-can-learn/
  10. [10]
    Ben Francis Announced as Charity's First-Ever Patron
    Jun 1, 2021 · For every selfie uploaded, of which there were almost 36,000, Gymshark donated £5 to the charity. Now, driven by his aspiration to give back, ...
  11. [11]
    Ben Francis: Net Worth & Biography - Goodreturns
    Born, June 04, 1992 in West Midlands, England ; Age, 33 years ; Citizenship, United Kingdom ; Residence, Birmingham ; Source Of Wealth, Fitness Clothing.Missing: upbringing | Show results with:upbringing
  12. [12]
    Inside amazing life of UK's youngest billionaire Ben Francis who ...
    Apr 5, 2023 · The Birmingham-born entrepreneur is the founder of fitness wear brand Gymshark, which was valued at over £1billion in 2020. Sign up for the ...Missing: upbringing | Show results with:upbringing
  13. [13]
    Gymshark founder who started business in parents' garage soars up ...
    May 22, 2021 · The 28-year-old started Gymshark making fitness clothing in his parents' garage after his nan taught him how to sew - he is now worth £700 million.
  14. [14]
    Gymshark CEO Ben Francis: From Pizza Hut, sewing kit to billionaire
    May 26, 2023 · When Ben Francis co-launched Gymshark from his parents' garage, he was 19, worked for Pizza Hut and didn't know how to sew.
  15. [15]
    Former South Bromsgrove High School student and Gymshark ...
    May 17, 2024 · Former South Bromsgrove High School student Ben Francis has been named the fourth in the Sunday Times Rich List Top 40 Under 40.
  16. [16]
    Gymshark founder to return to Aston University to receive honorary ...
    Apr 4, 2022 · Ben Francis, a former business and management student, established his fitness clothing business in 2012 as a 19-year-old studying at Aston ...
  17. [17]
    How A Former Pizza Hut Delivery Guy Used TikTok And Instagram ...
    Dec 2, 2020 · At 18, he enrolled at nearby Aston University, delivered for Pizza Hut at night and spent his free time at the gym. As he built muscle, he ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  18. [18]
    How to become a billionaire by the time you're 30 - The Telegraph
    Sep 14, 2022 · Two years later, Francis and his friend Lewis Morgan founded Gymshark with a domain name that cost just £3.50 to register. “The bar was ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  19. [19]
    How Ben Francis built $1 billion fitnesswear brand Gymshark in his ...
    Aug 24, 2021 · Ben Francis founded Gymshark, now a $1 billion fitnesswear brand ... He incorporated the business with schoolfriend, Lewis Morgan, in 2012.
  20. [20]
    How Success Happened For Ben Francis, Founder and CEO of ...
    Mar 22, 2022 · The early days of the company started with drop shipping supplements and the pivot to apparel was born out of Francis's personal necessity.
  21. [21]
    Building the Next Gymshark: Economies of Scale | Triple Whale
    Mar 11, 2024 · When Gymshark was first getting started, influencer marketing was picking up. So Gymshark found a bunch of bodybuilders (their “heroes”) and ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  22. [22]
    https://www.triplewhale.com/blog/gymshark-marketing
  23. [23]
    How Gym Shark Went From $0 to $128M in 6 Years
    A fitness apparel empire valued between £300M and £400M · Revenue increased from $500k (2013) to $128M (2018) · 200%+ growth in revenue almost every year : $500k ...
  24. [24]
    How Gymshark Grew a £100M Business in 7 years with Influencers!
    May 10, 2024 · Gymshark, which began its rapid growth on Instagram, and in recent years accelerated its growth by utilising TikTok Influencers using TikTok, ...
  25. [25]
    Gymshark launches new Solihull HQ - Business Live
    Apr 11, 2018 · Sports clothing brand Gymshark has opened its new head office in Solihull with the promise of creating up to 150 new jobs.
  26. [26]
    A Look Inside Gymshark's New HQ - Officelovin'
    A Look Inside Gymshark's New HQ · Location: Solihull, England · Date completed: 2018 · Size: 42,000 square feet · Design: Oktra.Missing: million | Show results with:million
  27. [27]
    Gymshark co-founder Ben Francis returns to CEO role
    Jul 2, 2021 · Gymshark co-founder Ben Francis is returning to the helm of the company in August as the British brand looks to expand in the US and Asia.
  28. [28]
    Gymshark flexes muscles as Ben Francis becomes CEO
    Jun 30, 2021 · Gymshark's co-founder Ben Francis is to become chief executive of the fitness fashion phenomenon again, four years after stepping back from leading the company.
  29. [29]
    https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2053136-leadership-changes-at-gymshark-as-ben-francis-becomes-ceo
  30. [30]
    Britain's youngest self-made billionaire has big plans for New York City
    Feb 27, 2025 · Francis, who grew up in the West Midlands of England, worked odd jobs in high school and started half a dozen companies by age 18. But, several ...
  31. [31]
    General Atlantic Invests in $1.3 Billion Gymshark Brand - Bloomberg
    Aug 14, 2020 · General Atlantic plans to acquire a 21% stake in Gymshark Ltd. in a deal that values the UK fitness brand at more than 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion).
  32. [32]
    Gymshark secures investment from General Atlantic valuing ...
    Aug 14, 2020 · In conjunction with General Atlantic's investment, Francis is increasing his stake in the company to over 70 per cent. The investment will see ...
  33. [33]
    Gymshark weighs up US and EU expansion as UK flagship store ...
    Jul 12, 2024 · Gymshark is targeting global expansion with store openings in key retail locations, as its debut store on Regent Street in London performs better than expected.
  34. [34]
    Gymshark says its first 2 permanent US stores are 'only the ...
    Oct 10, 2025 · Gymshark is opening permanent stores in New York to have a firmer hold on the U.S. market, which accounts for about 50% of its sales.Missing: Europe | Show results with:Europe
  35. [35]
    Exclusive: Amid growing pains, Gymshark opens first physical retail ...
    May 2, 2025 · Gymshark revives its cult Onyx line with a theatrical NYC pop-up as it prepares to open a four-floor U.S. flagship and navigates a major ...
  36. [36]
    Gymshark's second store opens in Westfield with international ...
    Jul 15, 2024 · Gymshark opened its second standalone UK store at the weekend and the brand's ongoing success is expected to spawn more openings internationally.
  37. [37]
    Gymshark debuts in Europe with maiden store in Amssterdam
    Jun 27, 2025 · This new Amsterdam store consolidates Gymshark's commitment to engaging its European customer base directly and expanding its global footprint.
  38. [38]
    Gymshark expands global presence with flagship New York store
    Feb 19, 2025 · British sportswear giant Gymshark has announced the opening of a new flagship store in New York. The store, set to open at 11 Bond Street, will be the retailer ...
  39. [39]
    https://fashionunited.com/news/retail/gymshark-to-open-first-permanent-us-store-this-month/2025100368542
  40. [40]
    Sustainability - Gymshark
    We are one community, from supply chain to squat rack. Our goals are to always respect human rights, create safe working spaces, help all workers receive a ...Our Impact · Our commitments · Our environment · Our materialsMissing: investments technology
  41. [41]
    The Rise of Gymshark - How it turned into an over £1bn brand
    Additionally, Gymshark has made efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by optimizing its supply chain and adopting more environmentally-friendly packaging ...
  42. [42]
    30 Under 30 Europe 2018: Retail & Ecommerce - Forbes
    Ben Francis, 25. Cofounder, Gymshark. more. Valerie Hirschhauser, 28; David Kellerman, 29. Cofounders, Frank About Tea. more. Viktoria Frister, 29. Cofounder ...
  43. [43]
    Gymshark founder Ben Francis named EY Entrepreneur of the Year
    Dec 11, 2020 · Ben Francis, who launched the company with school friend Lewis Morgan in 2012, took home the top accolade at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2020 last ...
  44. [44]
    Ben Francis – Global Fitness 100™ 2025 - Gym Revival Group
    Ben Francis, Founder of Gymshark, is honored in the Global Fitness 100™ 2025 by Gym Revival Group. Explore his achievements and industry impact.
  45. [45]
    Gymshark donates more than £180000 for NHS charities
    May 18, 2020 · Gymshark has donated more than £180,000 for NHS charities which support women's and children's hospital services amid the coronavirus ...
  46. [46]
    Ben Francis is fundraising for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity
    Aug 31, 2023 · I'm Ben, the CEO and Founder of Gymshark, and also the proud patron of the Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity.Missing: contributions | Show results with:contributions
  47. [47]
    Gymshark tycoon Ben Francis donates £20k to women -only gym ...
    Nov 3, 2021 · Gymshark fitness tycoon Ben Francis has donated £20,000 to help open a female-only gym in Birmingham. Article continues below. The idea is ...Missing: philanthropy | Show results with:philanthropy
  48. [48]
    From pizza delivery to billion-dollar brand: How Ben Francis built ...
    Sep 2, 2025 · Francis's impact extends beyond business metrics through ambitious sustainability commitments, including plans to use 100% recycled polyester by ...Missing: pledges | Show results with:pledges
  49. [49]
    Who is Ben Francis' wife Robin? - The US Sun
    Apr 6, 2023 · Robin and Ben got married on September 9, 2021, after getting engaged earlier that year. Their wedding took place in Chipping Norton. They first ...
  50. [50]
    The life of UK's youngest billionaire's wife from their accidental meet ...
    Sep 1, 2023 · The pair welcomed identical twin boys, born on Christmas Eve, weighing a very healthy 5lb 15oz & 5lb 12oz.
  51. [51]
    Excited to announce that the Francis family is growing!! - Instagram
    Jul 24, 2024 · Excited to announce that the Francis family is growing! The greatest blessing of our lives was having our two boys. Now we have a third on the way!
  52. [52]
    Why work-life balance is important to me | Ben Francis MBE posted ...
    Jul 8, 2024 · Why work-life balance is so important to me... For me, balance means successfully managing work, family time, and going to the gym.
  53. [53]
    Gymshark CEO Ben Francis Shares the Morning Routine He Swears ...
    Nov 14, 2022 · Having consistent grounding points like my morning routine, a hard break for lunch around 12:30 p.m., and the gym at 6:30 p.m., keeps me on ...
  54. [54]
    Inside £2m house with 'hidden' garden in celebrity village
    Nov 13, 2022 · Jack Grealish, Gymshark founder Ben Francis and singer Jamelia have all previously called Barnt Green their home.
  55. [55]
    Gymshark's Ben Francis Built A Billion-Dollar Activewear Brand By ...
    Mar 5, 2024 · In May 2023, Ben Francis, the founder of activewear brand Gymshark ... Today, Francis has a personal estimated net worth of $1.3 billion ...