Company
Merrithew, a global leader in mindful movement, is home to STOTT PILATES®, recognized worldwide for innovation and excellence in Pilates education. Through their premium equipment and comprehensive instructor certification programs, they empower individuals and organizations to achieve optimal wellness and shape the future of mind-body fitness.
Merrithew has trained more than 80,000 partners worldwide in mind-body movement. Under the guidance and leadership of Moira Merrithew, their premium Pilates program, STOTT PILATES®, is one of the most sought-after training modalities in the industry. This contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates, is one of the safest, most effective methods of exercise available. It emphasizes the importance of moving mindfully— with intention, focus and awareness to connect the mind and body.
Merrithew has dedicated more than 30 years to building, crafting and perfecting high quality exercise equipment for professional and personal use, under the guidance and leadership of Lindsay Merrithew. Using the highest quality materials and finest manufacturing processes in the industry, their equipment is versatile, durable and built to last, and is used by fitness and health care professionals around the world. Care and craftsmanship is evident in every detail.
The Investors
ONCAP, in partnership with operating company management teams, invests in and builds value in North American headquartered small and medium sized businesses that are market leaders and possess meaningful growth potential. ONCAP targets significant minority or control equity investments of $20 to $250 million. Their strategy seeks to leverage its deep sector and industry experience to identify high-quality investment opportunities within defined sectors of emphasis across three core verticals: Consumer, Industrials and Services.
Opportunity
Reporting to the CEO, the VP of Education will play a pivotal role in enhancing Merrithew’s position as a global leader in the Pilates industry. The incoming leader will be responsible for strengthening the instructor network, optimizing team structure, driving digital transformation, and aligning education initiatives with business growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to modernize and scale Merrithew’s education business while preserving the integrity of the Pilates brand and community.
Primary responsibilities:
Enhance the Instructor and Student Community
- Prioritize engagement, support, and retention of the global network of 80,000+ trained instructors and 250+ Instructor Trainers.
- Manage and expand the full education funnel—growing the pipeline of students, instructors, instructor trainers, and master trainers—to drive business growth and strengthen Merrithew’s global instructor ecosystem.
- Build programs and initiatives that strengthen the Merrithew instructor ecosystem, driving long-term loyalty and brand alignment.
Strengthen and Restructure the Education Team
- Lead and develop a high-performing education team, clarifying roles and responsibilities.
- Assess and implement organizational changes to address inefficiencies and gaps.
Modernize Education Offerings with Digital and On-Demand Learning
- Lead the transition to a more digital and hybrid education model, integrating online, on-demand, and asynchronous learning while maintaining hands-on, in-person training.
- Oversee the enhancement of education technology platforms, including CRM, CEC tracking, and online training systems.
Oversee Curriculum Development and Maintain Industry Leadership
- Collaborate with medical professionals, physical therapists, and subject matter experts to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of Merrithew’s education programs.
- Ensure education content aligns with industry standards and business objectives.
Align Education Strategy with Business Growth, Financial Goals, and Operations
- Work cross-functionally with other department heads to ensure the education strategy supports Merrithew’s overall business growth and revenue goals.
- Demonstrate strong financial and business acumen, ensuring education initiatives align with the company’s P&L, revenue, and EBITDA goals.
- Develop strategies to optimize profitability while maintaining high-quality education offerings and customer engagement.
- Manage the Toronto studio operations as a central hub for Pilates training and education.
- Develop and execute a strategic vision to grow and future-proof the education business amidst industry shifts and competition.
Ideal Candidate
You are a forward-thinking education leader who can modernize and scale the education business while maintaining the integrity of the Pilates brand and community. Driven by a passion for the company’s mission and products, you bring high energy and enthusiasm to the role, inspiring those around you. You balance visionary thinking with operational execution, fostering collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. Equipped with a strong business mindset and a deep commitment to engaging global instructor communities, you excel at driving growth, optimizing education delivery, and implementing digital transformation strategies.
You should have the following experiences and skill sets:
- Extensive leadership experience in education management, with a proven ability to develop and monetize curriculum and education programs for external partners while scaling initiatives, optimizing operations, and restructuring teams—ideally within the fitness, wellness, or mindful movement space.
- Demonstrated success in digital transformation, including modernizing education through online, on-demand, and hybrid learning models. Experience implementing learning management systems (LMS), content digitization, and upgrading technology platforms.
- Deep industry expertise in fitness, health, or mindful movement, ideally with familiarity in Pilates, yoga, or related disciplines. While not required to be a Pilates expert, you understand the methodology and can authentically engage with the community.
- A mentorship-oriented leadership style, with the ability to guide, develop, and inspire a team, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous growth.
- Strong business acumen and strategic leadership, with the ability to align education initiatives with overall business objectives, optimize operations, and drive financial performance.
- Exceptional relationship and community-building skills, with a track record of engaging, supporting, and growing large instructor networks. Adept at managing complex stakeholder relationships, resolving conflicts, and driving alignment between internal teams and external partners.
Learn More
The Knowledge Leaders search process is thorough and may include: a written assessment, multiple interviews (recorded and in person), background and social media checks, employment and education verifications, a drug screen, and professional reference checking. After all, our mission is to transform education by recruiting the best world leaders.
Submit your resume to Heather Phillips at Knowledge Leaders.
Knowledge Leaders, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and candidates for employment. Knowledge Leaders, LLC prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
