John Riccitiello
John Riccitiello first discovered Classical Pilates more than 20 years ago as a student of the method on Gratz apparatus. Just started practicing Pilates after a ski accident that injured his back. A longtime practitioner and Gratz customer before becoming Co-owner, he developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, precision, and tradition that have made Gratz the trusted standard in Classical Pilates. Today, he continues to practice the method while helping guide the company's long-term vision, remaining committed to preserving Joseph Pilates' original designs and supporting the global Classical Pilates community.
John brings more than three decades of leadership experience in technology and business, including serving many years as a CEO of companies like Wilson Sports and Electronic Arts. His career before Gratz involved living and working in New York City, Chicago, London, Paris, Dusseldorf and Nicosia Cyprus. His connection to Gratz began long before becoming an owner. During John’s time at Electronic Arts, John traveled the world and trained with Pilates teachers in many countries. He trained with Pilates teachers of many styles and on the apparatuses from multiple Pilates equipment makers. He has a strong preference for Gratz and used Gratz apparatus to fit out his home Pilates studio. He developed a deep appreciation for the quality of the Gratz apparatuses and the people dedicated to preserving the Classical Pilates method.
In 2024, John and his wife Elizabeth acquired Gratz with a clear purpose: to honor the company's history while thoughtfully investing in its future. Since then, he and Elizabeth have worked closely with the Gratz team and the Pilates community to strengthen manufacturing, improve the customer experience, expand global access, and ensure the company continues to support future generations of teachers and practitioners.
"In my many years of practicing Pilates around the world, I built a deep respect for the work, and it was through practicing Pilates that I was able to overcome issues related to an injury sustained while skiing. Pilates became an very important part of my life. As I practiced Pilates in multiple studios, I began to appreciate the authenticity and quality of Gratz apparatuses and chose Gratz to fit out a home Pilates studio."
"One thing that surprised me working at Gratz has been the deep appreciate for Gratz that many Pilates teachers have for our products and our brand. This connection was built over many years, starting with the great work that Donald Gratz did to create the first commercial line of Pilates apparatuses starting in the 1960s."