#SoulCycle names veteran media exec Evelyn Webster new CEO

SoulCycle has named veteran media executive Evelyn Webster its new CEO as it wades through the coronavirus crisis.

The trendy spin-studio chain announced Webster’s appointment on Tuesday — more than a year after former head honcho Melanie Whelan abruptly stepped down.

In a news release, SoulCycle said Webster will focus on “building a team and company culture” that supports its mission.

Webster’s appointment came two weeks after a Business Insider report described how some of SoulCycle’s “master instructors” allegedly made racist and homophobic comments at work, fat-shamed colleagues and had sex with clients.

In response to the report, SoulCycle said it takes such allegations seriously and is “committed to continuing to make improvements and ensuring that we live up to the values that our teams and riders expect of us.”

Webster will join SoulCycle after nearly four years as chief executive of Guardian News and Media’s international operations, overseeing the British newspaper’s growth in the US and Australia. She’ll take the reins from SoulCycle chief financial officer Sunder Reddy, who has served as acting CEO for the last 12 months.

The cycling-focused chain recently launched some updated offerings in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including outdoor spin classes and an at-home stationary bike.

“Very few brands have the kind of resonance that SoulCycle does, and given my experience leading a mission-driven organization, I see a tremendous opportunity to build upon the phenomenal foundation already established by the team and extend the brand’s reach and impact through new and exciting initiatives,” said Webster, who previously served stints at at Time Inc. and British publishing firm IPC Media.