Gym+Coffee founders 'step back from day-to-day operations'

Leisurewear brand's backers include Niall Horan of One Direction and rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll

Niall Horgan, co-founder of GYM+COFFEE athletic leisurewear clothing brand, who will now become company chair.  Pic: Larry Cummins

The founders of leisure brand Gym+Coffee announced on Thursday they are stepping back from day to day operations, with Jason Crawford announced as new chief executive. 

Gym+Coffee was founded by UCC graduates Niall Horgan and Diarmuid McSweeney and Dubliner Karl Swaine in 2017, starting as an online sportswear brand before branching out into physical stores in Ireland and the UK. 

The company's investors include One Direction's Niall Horan and rugby legend Niall Horan. In 2022, it received an extra €17m in new funding in a round led by Castlegate Investments.

On Thursday, the company said that Mr Horgan will become chairman while former Nike and Adidas executive Mr Crawford comes in as CEO.

"We believe G+C is starting a new chapter. And so, we’ve made the decision, as a founding trio, to step back from the day-to-day operations of Gym+Coffee," a statement from the three founders said.

"As you can imagine, this wasn’t a decision we took lightly. And it’s hard to capture everything we feel in one short letter. But at its heart, it came down to this: after nine incredible years of building Gym+Coffee, it feels like the right time, for us personally, and for the business as it enters its next chapter of growth.

“It’s hard to capture everything we feel in one short letter. But at its heart, it came down to this: after nine incredible years of building Gym+Coffee, it feels like the right time – for us personally, and for the business.” 

 Gym+Coffee has just passed 1.5m customer orders, with growth doubling in the UK in the past year and  70 retail partners outside of Ireland. 

"A new chapter requires fresh leadership and we’re thrilled to welcome Jason Crawford as the new CEO of Gym+Coffee. With his experience at Nike and Adidas, Jason brings exactly the kind of global expertise, energy, and leadership we believe the business needs to scale even further internationally. And while our day-to-day roles will change, we’re excited to support Jason, the team, and the brand however we can going forward."