Michelle Furniss Joins Qualified Trainers as Strategic Advisor for Global Expansion

Qualified Trainers has appointed Michelle Furniss as Strategic Advisor, bringing 25 years of fitness industry experience to support the company's next phase of global expansion across APAC, UK, Europe, and the United States.

Qualified Trainers (QT), the all-in-one platform transforming group fitness operations, has announced the appointment of Michelle Furniss as a Strategic Advisor, supporting the company's next phase of global expansion across APAC, UK, Europe, and the United States.

A Career Built from the Gym Floor Up

Michelle brings 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, building a career from the gym floor up — starting as a group exercise instructor and club manager before owning her own personal training and sports massage studio.

In a truly non-linear career, she channelled an early background in coding into a 13-year executive journey scaling software and payments solutions for gyms, studios, and leisure centres worldwide, most recently as General Manager at Xplor Technologies. Working closely with operators and technology teams across APAC, Europe, and the United States gave her a deep and practical understanding of the global fitness landscape.

A Harvard Business School graduate, recognised industry thought leader, and keen marathoner, Michelle brings a 360-degree view of fitness that spans owner-operator experience, commercial leadership, and global boardrooms. Her experience across go-to-market strategy, revenue growth, operational leadership, and international expansion makes her uniquely positioned to support QT as it scales into new markets.

Strategic Focus

In her advisory role, Michelle will work closely with the QT leadership team to:

  • Support international expansion across key markets including APAC, UK, Europe, and the United States
  • Provide strategic guidance on go-to-market and commercial growth
  • Strengthen enterprise partnerships within the global fitness ecosystem
  • Help position QT as the leading platform for group fitness operations worldwide

Leadership Commentary

“Michelle brings a level of global experience that aligns perfectly with where QT is heading. As we expand across APAC, UK, Europe, and the US, having someone who has scaled SaaS businesses internationally and understands both technology and the fitness industry is incredibly valuable.”

— Jason Edwards, Director, Qualified Trainers

“Our focus has always been on building a platform that solves real operational challenges for fitness businesses. As we expand into new markets, having Michelle's experience in scaling products globally and supporting operators at every level will play a key role in accelerating that journey.”

— Jay Ramsden, Director, Qualified Trainers

Michelle Furniss on Joining Qualified Trainers

“25 years in this industry taught me one thing: passionate operators rarely fail from lack of effort. They fail from lack of the right tools and the visibility to know what to fix. QT addresses a real gap in how fitness businesses manage their operations, and I have seen firsthand the difference that makes at scale. I am looking forward to helping the team take that solution to operators across APAC, UK, Europe, and the United States.”

— Michelle Furniss, Strategic Advisor, Qualified Trainers

Building on Global Momentum

The appointment follows QT's continued investment into international expansion, including the recent onboarding of Richie Allan as VP of Growth & Partnerships for the UK and Europe. Together, these strategic appointments further strengthen QT's position as it scales across key global markets.

Following successful adoption across large gym chains in Australia, including preferred supplier relationships with Fernwood Fitness and World Gym Australia, QT continues to scale as the industry looks for more efficient and connected operational solutions.

About Qualified Trainers

Qualified Trainers is a leading platform designed to support the full scope of group fitness operations. From compliance and cover management to payroll, communication, and advanced reporting, QT enables fitness facilities to streamline operations and focus on delivering exceptional member experiences.

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