US-based 9Round Kickboxing Fitness has appointed co-founder and COO Heather Hudson as CEO. Hudson’s appointment comes at a time of transition for the brand.
Hudson and her husband, professional kickboxer and previous CEO Shannon Hudson, founded 9Round in 2008.
Today the fitness business has more than 350 locations worldwide, operating in 41 US states and 18 countries. The chain has nine locations in Australia.
However, according to Franchise Times in June 2025, nearly 400 US locations had closed in the previous five years.
Earlier this year 9Round’s parent company, Striking Brands, owned by the Hudsons, bought back the 40 per cent share it had sold to Lift Brands in 2013.
Striking Brands now has 100 per cent ownership of 9 Round and holds the franchise rights for Australia and New Zealand.
Heather Hudson said “This is an exciting time for 9Round, and I’m honoured to step into this role as someone who’s been committed to this brand since its inception.
“My mission as CEO is to lead with intention, making sure our owners feel seen and valued and our members feel challenged, guided, and inspired.”
Hudson’s appointment aligns with the brand’s majority-female member base and owner base of nearly 50 per cent.
