WeightWatchers Appoints SoulCycle Co-Founder Julie Rice as Chief Experience Officer to Lead Community and Brand Innovation.

WeightWatchers has appointed Julie Rice, co-founder of SoulCycle, as Chief Experience Officer to lead community and brand innovation. Rice will oversee the transformation of WeightWatchers' global workshop business, develop a revitalized approach to community, and oversee the brand team. As a lifelong member, Rice credits the program with teaching her sustainable habits and is honored to reimagine weight health in today's world. Peoplehood, her community-driven wellness support platform, will integrate its operations into WeightWatchers.

WeightWatchers (NASDAQ: WW) has appointed Julie Rice, co-founder of SoulCycle, as its new Chief Experience Officer. Rice will oversee the transformation of the company's global workshop business and lead community and brand innovation efforts. The appointment underscores WeightWatchers' commitment to enhancing its holistic model of care, particularly in an era where community support plays a vital role in long-term health outcomes and sustained behavioral change [1].

In her new role, Rice will lead the transformation of WeightWatchers' global workshop business, which currently supports 20,000 meetings a month across 11 markets. She will work closely with the company's science, nutrition, and medical teams to develop a revitalized approach to community that supports members through every life stage. Additionally, Rice will oversee the brand team, responsible for the company's content, creative, and communications work, and collaborate with product and marketing leaders to innovate around how coaching and connection show up across the member experience [1].

Rice's appointment comes as WeightWatchers integrates Peoplehood, her community-driven wellness support platform, into its operations. Peoplehood's curriculum, technology, and learnings, particularly in GLP-1 and menopause-based community work, will help accelerate WeightWatchers' advantage as a full-spectrum weight health platform. The integration aims to bring together clinical support, behavioral science, and the power of community to support members across life stages [1].

Rice is widely recognized for revolutionizing the fitness industry with SoulCycle and has more recently turned her focus to the relational side of health with Peoplehood. A longtime member of the WeightWatchers program, she served on the company's board of directors for over seven years. Rice credits the program with teaching her sustainable habits and is honored to reimagine what weight health can look like in today's world of isolating apps and one-size-fits-all solutions [1].

WeightWatchers' Chief Executive Officer, Tara Comonte, said, "Community has always been at the heart of WeightWatchers. It’s where the brand began, and it remains one of the most effective drivers of lasting success. As weight management becomes more complex, particularly with the rise of medications, many people are navigating the journey alone. Support, connection, and shared experience matter more than ever. Julie brings a deep understanding of how to build brands and foster communities that truly connect. She will play a pivotal role in shaping how we deliver experience, community, and brand across the entire business."

The appointment of Julie Rice as Chief Experience Officer reflects WeightWatchers' strategic focus on community and innovation, positioning the company to offer a unique and comprehensive weight management solution in an increasingly competitive market [1].

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/07/3129432/0/en/WeightWatchers-Appoints-SoulCycle-Co-Founder-Julie-Rice-as-Chief-Experience-Officer-to-Lead-Community-and-Brand-Innovation.html