Leisure Media has added another heavyweight to its line-up of CEOs for its inaugural HCM Summit this October. Dean Kowarski will talk about the intersection of fitness and nutrition.

Kowarski took over as group CEO of Virgin Active in March 2022, when the company refinanced and took over the hospitality business he founded – The Real Foods Group – which owns the Kauai and Nu healthy restaurant brands.

Believing that true wellness lives at the intersection of fitness and nutrition and that both are essential in guarding against preventable diseases and creating a healthier, happier society, Kowarski has merged Virgin Active Global with Kauai and Nu to form a global wellness company fit for the future.

Kauai has 217 stores – many located within Virgin Active health clubs – serving fresh, natural, delicious whole foods with plenty of fruit and veggies that support the immune system and improve overall health.

With Kowarski at the helm, Virgin Active is repositioning as a social wellness club with holistic offerings being added including SoundBath, Reformer Recovery, Hot Yoga, breathwork and Hyperice Recovery Zones.

Kowarski wants to inspire members and Kauai customers to immerse themselves in the full Virgin Active experience to build increasingly personalised solutions.

HCM Summit speakers confirmed include Fahad Alhagbani, CEO of Armah Sports; Eric Falardeau, partner at McKinsey; Pieterjan Nuitten, CEO Jims; Baz Moffatt, founder The Well HQ; Will Orr, CEO The Gym Group; Phillip Mills, founder Les Mills International; Justin Musgrove, CEO Fitness First UK; Colin Waggett, CEO Third Space; Emlyn Brown, senior VP wellbeing, strategy, design and development Accor and Oliver Patrick, co-founder Future Practice.

Taking place in central London, at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, on 24 October, the conference progamme will be supported by a curated exhibition.

Super early bird delegate tickets are now on sale here.