Exec Edge hosted a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 with John Caraccio, Chief Executive Officer, and Mark Harms, Executive Committee Member and shareholder at World Gym Corporation (TAI: 2762.TW). The in-person interview was joined by Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone, and they discussed the company’s upcoming U.S. public listing after being listed in Taiwan for several years, the gym’s presence in Asia and its leadership in Taiwan as well as its performance in North and South America, among other topics.
About John Caraccio
John Edward Caraccio serves as Chairman and President of World Fitness Services, the parent company of World Gym Taiwan, and interim CEO of World Gym International. Under his leadership, World Fitness Services acquired World Gym International in 2024, establishing Taichung as the new global headquarters and positioning Taiwan as a central hub in the international fitness landscape. With over 130 locations in Taiwan and 250+ franchise locations across six continents, Caraccio has solidified the company’s influence on both regional and global scales.
Caraccio’s leadership combines entrepreneurial vision with operational precision. He pioneered modern fitness center models in Taiwan, expanded the country’s largest fitness chain, and integrated innovative services spanning digital fitness, sustainability, and premium member experiences. Through strategic acquisitions and market expansion, John Edward Caraccio secures his place on the Global Fitness 100™ 2025 as a transformative force redefining global fitness leadership and brand legacy.
About Mark Harms
Mark Harms is the joint Managing Partner of Bespoke Capital Partners, and concurrently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Leisure Partners (GLP). Headquartered in London with offices in the United States, Bespoke is the private equity affiliate of GLP, the leading independent advisor to the global leisure space with core strengths in travel and tourism, fitness, wellness and healthy living, branded consumer, gaming and leisure, and business services. Over the past 15 years, Bespoke has over $60 billion of completed transactions and over $400 million in assets under management, and established an extensive network of over 75 industry-leading operating partners. Mr. Harms also serves on the boards of each of Bespoke’s portfolio companies including 24 Hour Fitness, World Gym Corporation (TAI: 2762.TW), Vinventions and Olympic Entertainment.
About World Gym
World Gym was founded in 1976 by fitness industry pioneer Joe Gold and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 7-time Mr. Universe World Bodybuilding Champion. Together, they opened the first World Gym in Venice Beach, California.
World Gym is an iconic, globally recognized gym brand. Our mission is to change the world by improving people’s lives through fitness. With over 250 locations across six continents, World Gym is one of the largest global fitness gym chains.
In October 2024, World Gym Taiwan acquired World Gym International (WGI), securing global rights to the iconic World Gym brand. This historic acquisition established Taichung as the new global headquarters of the World Gym brand, symbolizing Taiwan’s rise as a central player in the global fitness industry.
READ ALL ICR 2026 INTERVIEWS IN THE FOLLOWING LINK: ICR 2026
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