Founders

Lindsay G. Merrithew, President and C.E.O

Lindsay Merrithew has been the driving force behind the growth of Merrithew Corporation, and its premier brand, STOTT PILATES®. He was nominated twice for Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award and is a five-time recipient of PROFIT Magazine’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies award. In addition to directing and growing the fully integrated business from a visionary and strategic point-of-view, he has been instrumental in designing, producing and marketing the company’s extensive equipment and video lines. To date, he has developed dozens of commercial products and has executive produced over 100 videos for both the professional and retail consumer markets. Lindsay is a member of Ontario’s prestigious Innovators Alliance for elite entrepreneurs, and is consulted regularly by the trade and business media. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Performing Arts in New York City.

Moira Merrithew, Executive Director, Education

After an accomplished career as principal dancer with the City Ballet of Toronto and the Atlantic Ballet Company, Moira Merrithew went on to retrain and certify as a Pilates instructor under the tutelage of Romana Kryzanowska at the original studio founded by the late Joseph H. Pilates. In collaboration with President and CEO, Lindsay G. Merrithew, physical therapists, and sports medicine professionals, they have spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method to ensure it’s aligned with current scientific and biomechanical research. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. In addition to overseeing the creation of the curricula and support materials for the STOTT PILATES® Education & Certification programs, Moira is a content creator and featured performer in the STOTT PILATES video series. She has also trained such high profile athletes as former Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Ed Belfour and tennis great Martina Navratilova. A published author and media personality, she is actively involved in the company’s Fit Kids program, and presents at numerous fitness industry events.

Management

Tony Baylis, Chief Operating Officer

Tony Baylis joined Merrithew Corporation in January 2002 bringing 17 years of professional business experience in various senior roles within the entertainment industry. Most recently he held the position of President, Balmur Corus Music Inc. His background includes crafting and executing strategic plans, raising debt and equity financings and managing small to mid-sized companies. Tony also executive produced award-winning television specials for broadcast in Canada and the United States, and was Anne Murray's business manager. As a senior member of the Merrithew Corporation management team, Tony takes a leadership role in helping to guide the company’s strategic plans through its domestic and international growth. Thus far, he has been instrumental in structuring the company’s operations and management resources and systems; overseeing all business affairs; executive producing, with Lindsay G. Merrithew, the company’s newest video lines – and aggressively pursuing and analyzing new business opportunities. Tony has a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours Finance, from Dalhousie University and is a Chartered Accountant.

Sandy Gardner, Vice President, Sales and Customer Service

Sandy Gardner has close to 20 years of progressive Sales Management experience within the Entertainment Industry, bringing with her an extensive background in product, business and channel development, domestic and international key account management, and digital and physical distribution across multiple channels, from mass merchants to specialty retailers. Sandy began her entertainment career as a Marketing Manager at Warner Music Canada where she created and launched event-based promotions for in-store appearances, concert tours and product releases for artists such as AC/DC, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top and more. From developing marketing programs and tools for sales representatives, Sandy moved into a sales role, officially launching her sales career. From Warner Music, she took on the challenge of marketing the Classical Kids® brand at The Children’s Group, and was a driving force behind the platinum-selling Mozart Effect series, promoting the positive effects of music on spatio-temporal reasoning and brain development of young children and the transformational powers of music in health, education, and well-being. Moving to Madacy Entertainment Group, Sandy was responsible for the launch and development of the Madacy Kids division, where she worked with international brands including Care Bears® and Crayola® to create an extensive music catalogue. Most recently, Sandy held the position of Vice President of Sales for Twin Sisters Productions, an award-winning producer of children’s entertainment.

Kerrie Lee Brown, Vice President, Communications

Kerrie Lee Brown has an impressive ten-year career in the health and fitness industry as a sought-after journalist, magazine consultant, motivational speaker, writer and editor. She has written hundreds of articles on exercise, nutrition, beauty, motivation, celebrity profiles and weight-loss, and has overseen numerous successful magazine launches and re-vamps. Prior to joining STOTT PILATES®, Kerrie was Vice President, Publishing and Communications for FAME Media Group and the World Natural Sports Organization. She was responsible for strategic planning/implementation of their re-vamp magazine from a digest size to full-format, as well as internal/external communications with international athletes and various stakeholders in the fitness industry. Before that, Kerrie was Editor-in-Chief of Oxygen – Women’s Fitness magazine (250,000 circ) and responsible for managing all facets of the successful monthly as well as maintaining/planning editorial, budgets, and promoting the magazine to consumers, business and press affiliates through effective branding measures. Kerrie is also the former Editor-in-Chief and Founding Editor of the international men’s magazine American Health & Fitness (200,000 circ) which she planned and launched from inception. Kerrie holds a Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies and Political Science Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Arts, Graduate Journalism Degree from Ryerson Polytechnic University. Kerrie also wrote her first book in 2006 entitled A Woman’s Guide to Rapid Weight Loss which received accolades in the US in the weight-loss category.

Jennifer McIlroy, Senior Director Marketing and Communications

Jennifer McIlroy has 20 years of progressive marketing and advertising experience in the public and corporate sectors. She has a broad and applied knowledge of brand strategy, research, advertising, market channel communications and global communication program implementation. She began her career in Ottawa working in the youth product markets and political communications realms, which honed her ability to create high impact messaging that influenced target audiences to either buy or do something to increase sales or votes. From there, she worked for Interbrand, one of the world’s leading brand design companies. Here, she developed extensive brand alignment programs to establish market trust in either a product or idea, and designed internal employee communications programs. Jennifer brought her experience and instincts to bear as she developed and launched the comprehensive brand platform for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term care. Among other successes, she lead the global corporate re-branding of a major financial services company, Canada Life; She worked with executive leaders at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLB to develop its national brand identity platform; and with Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame as it updated its market position. She is President of the Town of York Historical Society and continues her political involvement as a communications specialist. Most recently Jennifer was Director of Marketing for Scotiabank International.

Jim Teatum, Special Advisor, Business Development

Jim Teatum has been involved with the health and fitness industry for over twenty years. His background is of a global basis holding senior management roles with international sport and fitness equipment manufacturers. Most recently the President of Global Business Systems, Jim was formally President of the Nautilus Commercial Division, prior to that he was the Senior Director of Marketing for Star Trac, following an eight-year tenure as Vice President and General Manager of Nautilus International. Jim began his business career as the Senior Director of Market Development for Reebok International. He has also advised many governments on the implementation of fitness programs for police and military bodies around the world and has developed many health spa facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia. As a personal trainer, Jim has assisted several notable figures, such as King Hussein of Jordan, in their own fitness programs. Jim twice led a team of British weight lifters to world endurance records in 1984 and 1986 appearing in the Guinness Book of Records. An accomplished speaker, he has conducted popular seminars around the world on health and fitness related matters.

Viral Bhatt, Director of Manufacturing

Prior to joining Merrithew Corporation in 1996, Viral Bhatt was Director of Production for BASQ International, a Montreal-based company specializing in packaging design and manufacturing for major packaged goods companies. Before emigrating from India to Canada, he was a practicing mechanical engineer with GSFC, one of the country’s largest fertilizer and chemical companies. Viral assisted in the research, design, development and production of the STOTT PILATES® Equipment line. Engineered in collaboration with Lindsay Merrithew, he has developed innovative products including the Rehab Reformer, Rack & Roll® Reformer, Split-Pedal Stability Chair and Group SPX™ Reformer. Through his efficient management and attention to the bottom line, production has increased exponentially. Viral oversees a staff of 45 employees across metal fabrication, upholstery, carpentry, assembly and shipping/receiving departments. He has also been instrumental in the development of an MRP (Material Resource Planning) system. Viral holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree from India’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University.

Carol Tricoche, Global Sales Director, Full Solutions

With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, Carol Tricoche has been instrumental to the success of STOTT PILATES® programs worldwide. She first joined STOTT PILATES in July 2006 as Sales Manager, Full Solutions™, and has recently been promoted to Global Sales Director, Full Solutions. Prior to joining STOTT PILATES, Carol was the Group Exercise/Pilates Director at the Claremont Club in California for eight years where she pioneered a successful Pilates program which continues to thrive today. During her time there, Carol gained invaluable experience and expertise in implementing Pilates programs from the ground up. A Certified STOTT PILATES instructor, Carol also has certifications in Johnny G Spinning, and AFAA Certifications: Personal Trainer, Weight Room, Group Exercise, STEP, and Cardio Kickboxing. Carol was also the Owner/Operator of Make It Happen Health and Fitness Personal Training Studio in Covina, California; and VP Commercial Sales for Holiday Travel. Today, Carol sits on the Board of Directors for FISA Fitness Industry Suppliers Association and is a sought-after presenter at top fitness events around the globe. She has an Associates of Arts, Liberal Arts Degree from Mt. San Antonio College.

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Tom Hollins, Vice President, Finance

A seasoned finance professional, Tom Hollins joined STOTT PILATES® in April of 2008 with an impressive array of experience. As the Chief Financial Officer at Surteco Americas Plastics Division, Tom’s accomplishments included developing an exclusive cash flow and forecasting model for the North American entities as well as conducting examinations of foreign exchange risks. Prior to his time at Surteco he was the Chief Financial Officer at Fiesta Barbeques Limited where he played an instrumental role in negotiating new operating loan agreements, and formalizing the company’s purchasing procedures. He can also be credited with successfully defending several lawsuits, and restructuring the company’s treasury structure. Tom was also the Audit Senior Manager at KPMG LLP where clients included public and private companies in the manufacturing, automotive and real-estate fields. During his time there, Tom managed the largest public multinational in his office. He also mentored and managed multiple teams of junior staff, and provided clients with assistance and advice on acquisitions, divestures, implementing stronger controls, and tax saving methods. Tom graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He is also a Chartered Accountant.

Rob Hanson, Director of Information Technology

A leader in IT, Rob Hanson knows how to exploit current technology and introduce latest tools that enhance any organization’s productivity and profitability. He has an exceptional ability to fully understand the workings of a company, to appreciate what the business areas need to succeed, and to introduce the solutions required to drive that success. The career path Rob has followed began with fast-tracking at Xerox where he was promoted to major IT roles that included worldwide travel. He took that experience to school – literally – when he became a professor at Niagara College where he taught a variety of information technology courses. Later, enticed by the challenges he saw in an upstart company, Rob left teaching to join Sportexe. For seven years, he played a pivotal role in the technical evolution that supported the exponential growth experienced by that company. For Sportexe, Rob established the technical infrastructure. As IT Director over a team of specialists, he launched the platforms and interfaced the tools that ensured employees could keep up with the rapid changes in their organization. Although the company had no marketing division, Rob led his team through the design and simultaneous launching of a corporate website, and e-commerce portal. When they purchased AstroTurf in 2004, Rob was essential in establishing the US headquarters, transitioning AstroTurf programs and software to Sportexe, assisting users in locations throughout North America, and ensuring interfaces for a seamless flow of information. Rob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, and in his free time is also an amateur photographer who is frequently sought for capturing special events.

Sarah Chater, Director of Education Services

Sarah Chater comes to STOTT PILATES® with a background in Direct Marketing and Education. After working in these fields for 9 years, she joins us from EF Education, the world’s largest private education institution, where she held the position of National Manager for the High School Year in Canada division. In this role, she has had the opportunity to manage a network of 80 EF representatives across English and French-Canadian markets, and has had working relations with 20 countries, interacting in three languages. Her main responsibilities as a senior bilingual manager with this respected international organization included leading and supervising dozens of representatives and staff nationwide while ensuring that all annual sales, training and retention targets were reached. Sarah’s educational achievements include a B.A. Honors in Languages and Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology from Queen’s University.

Stefania Della Pia, Program Director, Education

A member of the STOTT PILATES® team since 1998, Stefania Della Pia has played a leading role in the company’s growth and success. Stefania first joined STOTT PILATES as an instructor at the International Certification Center in Toronto. She soon became a certified Instructor Trainer and has represented the company in more than 14 countries as a presenter, trainer and examiner. As Program Director, Education, Stefania continues her invaluable contributions to the Education Department and is instrumental in organizing the development and procedures within the department. Stefania oversees the growth of the Instructor Trainer program and global implementation of training and certification programs. Throughout her impressive career Stefania’s articles have been published and referenced in various health and fitness publications and has been involved in the production of numerous STOTT PILATES DVDs and the development of instructional manuals. She is also a Can-Fit Pro certified Personal Trainer Specialist as well as an ACE certified Personal Trainer.

Laureen Dubeau, Communications Director, Education

Laureen Dubeau joined STOTT PILATES® in 1998 with an impressive seven years of public relations experience within the fitness industry. While working for Tennis Canada she was in charge of promoting amateur and professional tennis events across Canada and internationally for Canadian teams. While in this position, Laureen assisted with many successful events and was responsible for the media relations aspect. One of Laureen’s key accomplishments throughout her time at Tennis Canada is her involvement in the writing and editing of a player and event yearbook that was published annually. Laureen first joined STOTT PILATES as an instructor and soon afterwards became an Instructor Trainer. Her spirited approach to teaching makes her a vibrant international presenter, trainer and examiner. As Assistant Program Director for STOTT PILATES she became an integral member of a dynamic team responsible for the global development and implementation of training and certification programs. Recently appointed the position of   Communications Director, Education, Laureen continues to play a leading role in the growth of the Education department. She is the Associate Editor of all STOTT PILATES education manuals and has been a featured performer in several STOTT PILATES instructional DVDs. Throughout her career Laureen has been the author of articles in several industry publications. She is a graduate of York University’s Dance program, and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Beth Gibbs-Bartel, Director of Sales and Marketing, Retail

Beth Gibbs-Bartel plays a leadership role in building the company’s video and retail products business. She has also played a significant role in bringing numerous new DVD titles and retail products under the STOTT PILATES® brand to domestic and international markets. Beth was a Senior Vice President with KOCH Entertainment Inc. prior to joining Merrithew Corporation in 2004. She was responsible for overseeing sales and marketing for KOCH Vision, the video division of the company. During her eight years with the company, her responsibilities included: growing the existing business channels and developing new business with non-traditional video retailers, overseeing the acquisition of new video lines, including the Gaiam line of mind-body videos and retail products, and marketing and promoting 14 video studios. Prior to KOCH, Beth worked in international marketing for EMI Music Canada focusing on the development of EMI’s domestic artist roster. Beth is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French. She also has a Certificate in International Conversational French.

Jennifer Kelly, Director of Marketing & Communications

Jennifer Kelly’s experience and knowledge of STOTT PILATES® and the Pilates industry in general, combined with over 20 years of sales, consulting and training experience in a variety of sectors enable her to bring a unique perspective to her role as Director of Marketing and Communications. Her association with STOTT PILATES dates back to 1999 when she completed the comprehensive instructors training program. After working as an instructor with STOTT PILATES, she opened her own studio and eventually merged her business with a successful physiotherapy clinic. Jennifer later returned to the corporate world and most recently was the Director of Client Experience with McDaniel Partners. In this role, she had responsibility for a variety of customer experience programs. Her work was diverse and far-reaching and focused on enhancing the customer experience by creating engaged and committed employees, building service standards, enhancing business processing and developing training and learning materials. Key accomplishments include the development and implementation of a business transformation initiative for a major Financial Services organization based in the Caribbean. The program was a major undertaking related to the launch of the Bank’s new brand and included the creation of a communication strategy as well as various marketing materials and collateral to support the initiative. Jennifer also helped develop McDaniel Partner’s unique Experience Tour program which gave client companies the opportunity to experience world-class organizations in action. Jennifer attended the University of Windsor as a Theatre Arts and Communicative Studies major and has a number of training related certifications.

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