Kyle Drummond

I am a dynamic fitness leader with over a decade of international experience overseeing, launching, and scaling boutique studios, gyms, and wellness spaces across the GCC and Europe. My career has been defined by driving operational excellence, recruiting and mentoring high-performing teams, and successfully growing multi-revenue businesses in competitive markets. With a passion for brand development and community building, I specialise in creating engaging group exercise experiences that foster loyalty and deliver premium customer satisfaction.

Skilled in strategy, project execution, and team empowerment, I am motivated by the challenge of developing thriving fitness environments, where both clients and staff are supported to achieve their goals with professionalism, energy, and innovation.

Head of Operations at CLUBIST (2025-10 – Present)

• Played a key role in the launch phase of a start-up operation, establishing foundational SOPs, recruiting and structuring a 75-person team
• Oversaw budgeting, cost control in restaurant, P&L accountability, aligning departmental targets with overall commercial objectives
• Implemented structured onboarding and mentorship pathways for new employees to ensure brand-aligned delivery and consistent coaching standards
• Within 6 month of opening operating at over AED 700K per month across all departments despite operational challenges and situations

General Manager at Paus Club (2024-07 – 2025-10)

• Spearheaded expansion of wellness café into a holistic fitness, wellness, and Padel destination
• Develop and manage facility schedule offering over 150 fitness classes, spa appointments and padel bookers per week
• Lead management team across, spa, restaurant, fitness and community department
• Boosted weekly class occupancy to 84%+; grew Padel court utilisation from 0% to 78% in 6 months
• Implemented revenue-generating sales strategies—achieving AED 175K+ in weekly turnover
• Directed a multidisciplinary team of 30+ across front of house, fitness, barista, and cleaning staff

Instructor at 1Rebel UAE (2024-11 – 2026-01)

• Deliver high-intensity, music-driven classes aligned with global 1Rebel standards
• Use lighting solutions to enhance the experience of the participants, creating unforgettable moments in every class to increase engagement and class participation

General Manager at F45 Downtown (2022-06 – 2024-06)

• Revitalised one of Dubai's most competitive fitness franchises through hands-on leadership
• Increased studio membership by 40% via aggressive lead conversion and retention efforts
• Consistently achieved 70%+ conversion from lead to client
• Managed full P&L, budgeting, and stock control across fitness and retail departments
• Collaborated with community groups and corporate clients to expand market reach

General Manager / Project Manager at Cyqlone Studio (2021-01 – 2021-12)

• Oversaw full-site development, operations setup, and team leadership
• Delivered a 5-star boutique facility by leading construction timelines and contractor coordination
• Built all operational frameworks including financial KPIs, staff schedules, SOPs, and vendor relations
• Maintained full responsibility for studio P&L and operational outcomes
• Plan, execute and review studio launch, focusing on customer engagement to drive traffic and repeat custom. Working with internationally known instructors during the launch phase to ensure mass public reach
• Responsible for developing full fitness timetable across 3 studios, training and sourcing freelance instructors

General Manager / Project Manager at Ride Nation (2019-03 – 2021-01)

• Launched and scaled an original boutique studio concept from the ground up
• Achieved AED 150K+ monthly revenue in under 6 months through fitness, retail, and F&B sales
• Staff and instructor management, dealing with issues of staff including problem solving and aiming to create a good group dynamic within the full team
• Curated brand experiences including lighting, playlists, class formats, and high-impact events
• Conceptualised, planned and executed many events including RIDE NATION LIVE, RIDE NATION LOCKDOWN, RIDE NATION POP UP

BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science – Robert Gordon University (2010 – 2013)

HND in Sports Coaching with Development of Sport – Aberdeen College (2008 – 2010)

Post Graduate Certificate in Education – Plymouth University (2018 – 2019)