Virgin Pulse Opens New Global Headquarters in Downtown Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI--(Marketwired - November 20, 2017) - Virgin Pulse, the leading global provider of employee wellbeing and engagement solutions that are changing lives for good®, today announced that it has officially opened its new global headquarters in downtown Providence. The new office, located at 75 Fountain Street in the historic Providence Journal building, will become the workplace for over 300 company employees, as Virgin Pulse hires top talent from the state's impressive hiring pool. The company will host Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28 at the new office. Press and media are invited to attend the event followed by an open house and reception.

"Virgin Pulse could have planted the flag for its global headquarters anywhere. Virgin Pulse chose Rhode Island because of our incredibly talented workforce and our high quality of life," said Governor Raimondo. "In choosing Rhode Island, Virgin Pulse is making a long-term commitment to our state and will create opportunity for hundreds of people at all levels. Their decision to set deep roots in our Capital City is a signal that the foundation for our economy continues to improve."

As a rapidly expanding software as a service (SaaS) company innovating technology solutions that optimize employee health, wellbeing and engagement, Virgin Pulse is focused on hiring exceptional-potential, early-in-career talent. In Providence, the company will have access to a rich pipeline of highly qualified talent, with many top-tier universities nearby and a hip, artsy culture that is attracting millennial and Generation Z residents. The company recently launched its EPIC program, specifically designed to recruit and cultivate highly-skilled, new workers. The program provides new hires with tools, mentors, and access to resources so that they can grow quickly within the company and develop a strong foundation of skills. The EPIC Program offers eligible employees the following:

• Career coach
• Three-month onboarding and training program
• Coaching sessions with senior leadership
• Monthly EPIC development meetings
• Preference for internal and cross-departmental promotions

"With the investments Governor Raimondo is making in infrastructure, transportation and revitalization, and the city's proximity to some of the world's top universities, Providence is an attractive city for companies like ours looking to grow and scale our global operations," said David Osborne, CEO, Virgin Pulse. "We know that being in a beautiful and fun city like Providence has a huge impact on employee experience and engagement. In addition to offering employees walkable access to a wealth of activities and attractions, Providence reflects the healthy environment we strive to cultivate for our employees each day. We are thrilled to call Providence home and look forward to embedding ourselves into the fabric of this vibrant city."

Virgin Pulse selected Providence as its global headquarters after acquiring ShapeUp, a Providence-based wellness company, in February 2016. ShapeUp was founded by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, an alumnus of Brown University and longtime Providence resident. Named by GQ as "the coolest city you haven't been to yet," and by Travel + Leisure as "America's Favorite City," Providence is renowned for its arts scene, educational institutions, and world-class restaurants. The city is in the midst of strong economic growth, becoming a choice destination for top employers and real estate developers, and considered one of the best places to start a business.

"We are proud that Virgin Pulse has chosen to relocate its global headquarters to Rhode Island," said Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. "We are pleased that among the factors that contributed to the company's decision were our pipelines of tech-ready talent, the vibrancy of our capital city, and the Governor's economic development programs. We look forward to Virgin Pulse's continued growth and success here in our state."

The new office is currently the primary workplace for around 100 full-time employees, with plans to close the year at 130. In 2017, Virgin Pulse received over 3,600 applications for open roles in Providence, establishing the company as a best place to work. By 2021, Virgin Pulse plans to bring the total headcount to 300.

To RSVP for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please email press@virginpulse.com. To learn more about Virgin Pulse or to apply for one of its open positions, visit www.virginpulse.com.

About Virgin Pulse
Virgin Pulse, a leading provider of technology solutions that promote employee engagement and wellbeing and part of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, helps employers create workforces that are happier, healthier and ultimately more productive. The company's modern, mobile first platform delivers a personalized user experience that utilizes gamification to engage users in building habits that inspire meaningful and measurable change across individuals and the businesses they serve. By helping employees thrive at work and in all aspects of life, Virgin Pulse is helping change lives and businesses around the world for good. More than 3,000 global organizations representing many of the Fortune 500 and Best Places to Work, have selected Virgin Pulse's solutions to engage their workforces and drive their businesses forward. To learn more, visit www.virginpulse.com.