David Kosten, Chief People Officer
Professional Overview
David Kosten is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience driving organizational transformation and talent strategy. As the Chief People Officer at Planet Fitness, he oversees all aspects of global human capital management, focusing on developing high-performing teams, fostering a positive corporate culture, and aligning talent initiatives with the company's strategic objectives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief People Officer at Planet Fitness, David is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies to support the company's rapid growth and expansion. He leads a team of HR professionals to optimize key talent management functions, including recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, and learning and development. Under his guidance, Planet Fitness has enhanced its employer brand, improved employee retention, and cultivated a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Planet Fitness, David held various senior HR leadership roles at prominent retail and apparel brands. As the Vice President of Human Resources and Operations at Caleres, Inc., he spearheaded the integration of HR systems and processes across multiple business units, driving operational efficiency and improved employee experience. At The Children's Place, he served as the Vice President of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, where he led the company's talent acquisition strategy and implemented workforce planning initiatives. Earlier in his career, David held executive-level HR positions at GUESS?, Inc. and A|X Armani Exchange, where he played a pivotal role in aligning global HR functions with the businesses' evolving needs.
Academic Background
David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, with a concentration in Human Resource Management.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Human Resources Management
- Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning
- Employee Engagement and Organizational Development
- HR Transformation and Process Optimization
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
- Change Management and Culture Shaping
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, David has been recognized for his ability to drive measurable improvements in organizational performance and employee satisfaction. At Caleres, Inc., he led the implementation of a new HR technology platform that enhanced data-driven decision-making and streamlined HR service delivery. During his tenure at The Children's Place, David spearheaded the redesign of the company's talent acquisition strategy, resulting in a 25% increase in qualified applicants and a 15% reduction in time-to-hire. In his previous roles at GUESS? and A|X Armani Exchange, David played a key role in shaping the companies' global HR strategies, contributing to their successful expansion and profitability.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the retail and apparel industries, David Kosten is well-positioned to lead Planet Fitness's human capital strategy and support the company's continued growth and market leadership. His proven track record of driving organizational transformation, fostering employee engagement, and aligning talent initiatives with business objectives make him a valuable asset to the Planet Fitness team.
