Nick Jones to step down as CEO of Soho House after recovery from cancer

Nick Jones is to step down as chief executive of Soho House following his recent diagnosis and recovery from prostate cancer.

In an update to members, Jones said the experience had changed his “perspective”, but he would continue on as the group’s founder and remain involved in the creative side of the business.

He will be succeeded as chief executive by Andrew Carnie, who has served as president of parent company Membership Collective Group (MCG) since 2020.

Jones founded member’s club Soho House in London in 1995 and the business now has over 211,000 global members. It runs 38 clubs and several associated hospitality brands worldwide, including the Ned in London and New York.

Jones said: “[In] early summer I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was caught early and my treatment has been 100% successful – and I’m not only healthy again, but also cancer-free.

“Inevitably, this experience has changed my perspective and focus. As a result, from today I’m transitioning from CEO to my original role as founder and will focus on the creative and membership aspects of Soho House.

“I want to do more of what I love, which is making sure you have a good time in well-designed, welcoming spaces and focusing on our House Foundations programmes, which help people flourish in the creative industries.”

The announcement came as Soho House unveiled its third quarter results, which showed its total membership had increased almost 18,000 in the second quarter of 2022 while its waitlist for membership hit an all-time high of 85,000.

It posted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £17m, up from £9.5m in the third quarter of 2021.

However, the group said it had delayed planned openings in Mexico City and Bangkok until 2023 to “reduce pressure on the business” and reflect a rise in costs.

Ron Burkle, executive chairman of MCG, said: “Nick’s vision has created and scaled a membership platform unlike any other. We are extremely thankful for his longstanding energy and commitment as CEO and look forward to his continued inspiration and involvement as founder.

"We have been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition and are confident in the company’s leadership moving forward.”