Alberto Perlman

Alberto Perlman is a Colombian American entrepreneur and the co-founder and chief executive officer of Zumba Fitness, LLC, a leading global dance-fitness company. Before establishing Zumba Fitness, Perlman founded and led Spydre Labs, an internet incubator, and worked as a consultant for the Mitchell Madison Group. His transition to the fitness industry began after his first venture ended following the dot-com downturn. Inspired by the popularity of a local aerobics class taught by Beto Perez, Perlman recognized the potential for a new approach to group fitness.

Perlman, Perez, and Alberto Aghion co-founded Zumba Fitness, initially facing significant challenges, including limited funds and difficulty attracting health-club partners. The company’s breakthrough came with the development of a franchise model, certifying instructors who paid monthly fees for training and support. This shift enabled Zumba to expand rapidly, transforming it into a global fitness brand.

Zumba Fitness blends fitness, entertainment, and culture, offering a dance-party workout experience to more than 14 million weekly participants in 140,000 locations across over 185 countries. Perlman oversees daily operations, brand management, product development, and strategic partnerships with fitness clubs and organizations worldwide. The company has diversified into music collections, apparel, footwear, and video games, and has introduced new fitness formats such as "Strong by Zumba."

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of gyms, Perlman led the launch of an online platform for virtual Zumba classes, demonstrating adaptability in the fitness industry. Zumba has received industry recognition, including being named Inc. Company of the Year. Perlman was honored with the John McCarthy Industry Visionary Award from the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association and was inducted into the Babson College Alumni Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. The New York Times reported Zumba’s valuation at $500 million following significant investment.

Perlman is also active in social impact initiatives. He created the Zumbathon charity platform and the "Zumba Love" campaigns, which have raised millions for organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Heart Association, and Augie's Quest. Perlman serves on the board of the Soccer for Peace Foundation, supporting youth programs in Latin America. A graduate of Babson College with a bachelor’s degree in business, Perlman continues to influence the fitness and wellness industry through innovation and community engagement.