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Craig Benson

Interim Chief Executive Officer at Planet Fitness
Board
Since September 15, 2023
Age
69 years
Education
Holds a degree in Finance from Babson College, an MBA in Operations Management from Syracuse University, and honorary degrees from Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire, Grand Valley State University, and Thomas Jefferson University.
Tenure
Joined the board in July 2017 and assumed the Interim Chief Executive Officer role on September 15, 2023 at PLNT.

Also at Planet Fitness

BB
Bill Bode
Chief Operating Officer
BP
Brian Povinelli
Chief Marketing Officer
CO
Chip Ohlsson
Chief Development Officer

About

Craig Benson, born in 1954, is a seasoned executive with extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. He has held significant roles including co-founding a leading networking solutions company and serving as the 79th Governor of New Hampshire, demonstrating a strong blend of business acumen and public service.

In his current association with PLNT, he joined the board in July 2017 and later assumed the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer on September 15, 2023, where he has been instrumental in advancing strategic priorities and supporting franchise operations.

His career is further complemented by his academic achievements and ongoing contributions to educational institutions, as evidenced by his finance and business education along with honorary degrees, which underscore his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership.

Past Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
Planet Fitness (PLNT) Board of Directors Member July 2017 – September 2023 Received cash retainers for board service prior to appointment as Interim CEO
Lahey Health System, Inc. and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Trustee 2005 – 2019 N/A
Sycamore Networks Inc. Director October 2007 – April 1, 2013 N/A
Cabletron Systems, Inc. Co-founder / Chairman / CEO / COO / President 1983 – July 1999 Grew company from a garage start-up to a publicly traded company with 7,000 employees and annual sales exceeding $1.6 billion
State of New Hampshire 79th Governor N/A Recognized by the Cato Institute as the most effective new governor and the second most effective governor nationwide

External Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
Soft Draw Investments, LLC Chief Executive Officer Since 2002 N/A
Babson College Vice Chairman of the Trustees Current N/A
Airpointe of New Hampshire, Inc. d/b/a Radianse Systems Approximately 10.5% owner Current Amenity tracking compliance software provider

Fixed Compensation

Data from  FY 2024
Component NameAmountPayment ScheduleAdditional Details
Base Salary$120,192 Annual 2024Fixed annual base salary to attract, motivate, and retain executives
Restricted Stock Units1,433 shares; Fair Value: $102,073 ; Year-End Market Value: $141,681 Granted on June 10, 2024; Vests on April 30, 2025RSUs granted as compensation for service as non-employee director, subject to time-based vesting

Performance Compensation

Data from  FY 2024

No information available on performance compensation for 2024