Josh Burris, who took the chief executive reins at supplement retailer GNC two years ago, left the company in January, a company spokesperson confirmed by email.
GNC hasn’t named a replacement. Instead, the executive leadership team has been reporting directly to GNC Holdings’ board of directors, GNC Director of Public Relations Meredith Klein said.
“We wish Josh well in his future endeavors,” Klein said. “We remain focused on our mission: to help consumers Live Well. We are confident our leadership team – together with the efforts of our passionate, committed, and dedicated associates – will enable us to continue to lead the category, support our consumers, and help people live fit, live mighty and Live Well.”
Burris, who joined GNC in 2019 to lead its U.S. operations, didn’t respond to a request for comment, though his LinkedIn page indicates a January departure. He stepped into the CEO role shortly after the company went through bankruptcy in 2020 and exited with new ownership. Previously, he had stints at AM Retail Group, which is affiliated with G-III Apparel Group brands, as well as at Abercrombie & Fitch, per his LinkedIn profile.
Chinese conglomerate Harbin Pharmaceutical Group, GNC’s largest investor since buying a major stake in 2018, bought the company for $760 million. Even after selling or closing hundreds and hundreds of stores, the company had struggled under a heavy debt load. The retailer shuttered another 1,000-plus stores while in chapter 11.
