Bodybuilder Chris Bumstead returns to Gymshark, this time as part-owner
Chris Bumstead, AKA CBum, has rejoined the athlete roster at British gymwear giant Gymshark after a three-year hiatus. but this time the global bodybuilding icon has also become a part owner of the business.
The signing of one of the most famous gym-goers in the world follows on from launch of the brand platform We Do Gym, positioning Gymshark as "the" gym brand. We Do Gym was designed and named to tell everyone, whether an existing member of the community or not, what Gymshark is all about, which in the words of the brand is "a relentless obsession with the gym".
Bumstead, who last worked with the brand three years ago, is equally obsessed with the gym. Last year made history when the won Men’s Classic Physique at the Mr Olympia competition for the fifth consecutive year, making him the current reigning champion. His return to the band was heralded on an Instagram reel, which has notched up more than 18 million views in less than 24 hours.
He said of the move: “At this stage of my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been offered some very exciting opportunities, but I knew if I was going to do anything, it had to be with the right people and for the right reasons. When Gymshark talked me through their vision to become the brand that brings the gym to the world, I knew that if I was going to partner with anyone, it had to be them. So, I’m happy to say I’m now a part owner of Gymshark. I’m really excited for the future of the brand and to get to work.”
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Noel Mack, Chief Brand Officer, Gymshark added: “A few months ago, we told the world that we are the gym brand and We Do Gym. You can’t make a claim like that, and not be represented by the most iconic gym-goer in the world. CBum is an inspiration to us and to our community and we know how much this signing will mean to them. That’s why we’re beyond excited to welcome Chris to Gymshark, as both an athlete and a part-owner.”
Gymshark is on the UK's great entrepreneurial success stories. Founded by Ben Francis in a weight room in Birmingham in 2012, it now has a community of followers in more than 200 countries globally. Initially a digital-only brand, it has recently made moves into bricks and mortar retail with experiential stores on Regent Street and at Westfield Stratford, It also has a retail partnership with Selfridges and just announced the planned opening of its first international store in Dubai.
