Marlin Dean is an accomplished operations executive, strategic business leader, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in corporate management, business expansion, and large-scale project execution. As the Director of Operations at Avaris Inc., he oversees corporate operations, HR, and marketing, ensuring the company is structured for efficiency, scalability, and long-term growth. His ability to optimize business systems, drive brand expansion, and implement high-performance strategies makes him an integral part of Avaris’ leadership team.

​

Marlin was the master franchisee behind New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing gym franchise, leading Anytime Fitness NZ to national market dominance. As Director of Operations, he built the foundation for franchise growth, operational excellence, and sales-driven expansion, earning international recognition as an award-winning sales and marketing strategist. His expertise in brand positioning, customer acquisition, and workforce management set new benchmarks in the fitness industry.

​

Beyond fitness and franchising, Marlin has successfully built, operated, and scaled multi-location businesses, ensuring consistent performance, profitability, and growth across diverse markets. His hands-on approach to business structuring, process optimization, and team leadership has allowed organizations to expand efficiently while maintaining high operational standards.

Marlin is also highly active in tribal economic development, having advised iwi groups, land trusts, and post-settlement governance entities on commercial strategy, investment structuring, and long-term wealth creation. He played a pivotal role in developing the Trust Deed for Ngā Tokorima a Hinemanuhiri and served as Commercial Strategy Advisor for Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust, leading economic initiatives that have strengthened indigenous business development and sustainable investment frameworks.

​

With deep expertise in business operations, marketing, and strategic growth, Marlin brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial acumen and corporate leadership to Avaris. His ability to build strong business systems, optimize company-wide performance, and execute high-impact strategies ensures that Avaris remains at the forefront of business innovation and global market expansion.