RockSalt Pilates has appointed Stephanie Knepp as chief operating officer as the boutique brand prepares for further US growth and its first international development in the United Arab Emirates.
RockSalt Pilates has appointed Stephanie Knepp as chief operating officer as the boutique brand prepares for further US growth and its first international development in the United Arab Emirates. The San Mateo-based company announced the appointment on 30 September 2026, describing Knepp’s role as part of its plans to build the operational structure needed for expansion.
Knepp brings more than 20 years of experience in fitness, wellness, operations and franchising, according to the company’s announcement. RockSalt said she will oversee franchise operations, new studio openings, training and the systems supporting a larger multi-location business. The brand currently reports eight studios, with six additional locations planned by early 2027.
The company also says it has 84 units in development, including its first international expansion into the UAE. Those figures are commercial claims supplied by RockSalt Pilates rather than independently audited industry data, so they should be treated as the company’s stated pipeline rather than confirmed openings. The announcement does not provide a timetable or named UAE locations.
RockSalt’s model combines traditional Pilates with cardio, resistance training, weights and high-energy music. That format reflects the continuing diversification of the commercial Pilates market, where operators are adapting the method for group fitness and franchise settings. It also raises familiar questions for the wider profession about how brands can grow quickly while maintaining consistent teacher education, class quality and a clear relationship with established Pilates principles.
For the international Pilates community, the UAE development is notable because it signals continued interest in branded, reformer-led studio concepts beyond North America. Whether the expansion succeeds will depend not only on demand, but also on local recruitment, instructor preparation, cultural adaptation and the company’s ability to deliver a consistent experience across markets. The appointment therefore offers a useful indicator of how smaller Pilates brands are professionalising their leadership before attempting international scale.
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RockSalt Pilates Names Stephanie Knepp as COO for Franchise Expansion
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