SoulCycle CEO abruptly resigns, effective immediately -- Read her letter to employees

Melanie Whelan has resigned from her position as chief executive officer of cult-fitness company SoulCycle, effective immediately.

She will be replaced by Sunder Reddy, Soul's chief financial officer, who will take the position in the interim as the company plans to 'conduct a search for the new CEO', per an email memo sent to employees on Tuesday afternoon that AOL has exclusively obtained.

Whelan will stay with the company in an 'advisor capacity,' though it's unclear at this time what exactly that role will entail.

"I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led our SoulCycle team and brand during a transformational time for this amazing community," Whelan penned to employees, "Having started with SoulCycle when we had only seven studios and a huge dream -- I couldn't be more proud of what this team has accomplished together.

The magic of SoulCycle has always been in those dark studios. The love, the passion, the energy and the spirit of what we do is more important today than ever before. SoulCycle is a one-of-a-kind organization and I will be cheering on your continued growth and success."

Whelan was previously VP of business development for SoulCycle's sister company, luxe gym brand Equinox.

"I know I speak for all of us in thanking Melanie for everything she's done for SoulCycle over these last eight years. I know we are all grateful," said Reddy in a second portion of the email, "We remain focused on our continued growth and ambitious plans for expansion both physically and digitally.

As always, the future of SoulCycle is bright, and we want to thank each and every one of you for your continued hard work and dedication. We are excited for what lies ahead."

This is the second time Soul has made headlines in the past six months after a viral internet call for a boycott of the company came after it was revealed that chairman of Soul's parent company, Stephen Ross, was hosting a fundraiser in the Hamptons for Donald Trump's reelection.

SoulCycle currently operates with 95 studios across the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

Whelan posted a heart-melting photo to her Instagram account upon the news of her resignation featuring her son in front of a SoulCycle-branded background:

"I will see you on a bike ... soon," the caption read, "Soul People truly are the Best People."

Read SoulCycle's full message to employees below:

"Dear SoulFam,

We'd like to inform you that we've reached a mutual agreement with our board in which Melanie will resign from her position as CEO and Director, effective today.

Sunder will assume the position as interim CEO while we conduct the search for a new CEO. Melanie will stay on in an advisory capacity to the company.

From Melanie:

I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led our SoulCycle team and brand during a transformational time for this amazing community. having started with SoulCycle when we had only seven studios and a huge dream -- I couldn't be more proud of what this team has accomplished together.

The magic of SoulCycle has always been in those dark studios. The love, the passion, the energy and the spirit of what we do is more important today than ever before. SoulCycle is a one-of-a-kind organization and I will be cheering on your continued growth and success.

I will see you all on a bike ... very soon.

From Sunder:

I know I speak for all of us in thanking Melanie for everything she's done for SoulCycle over these last eight years. I know we are all grateful.

We remain focused on our continued growth and ambitious plans for expansion both physically and digitally. As always, the future of SoulCycle is bright, and we want to thank each and every one of you for your continued hard work and dedication. We are excited for what lies ahead.

Wishing you all a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

With Gratitude,

Adrienne [Gemperle, Chief People Officer]"