The DW Group is strengthening its business with the appointment of Martin Long as its new CEO.
Long led the successful acquisition of Fitness First for the DW Group in September 2016 and has now accepted the opportunity to head up the Group.
DW has a strong presence in Sports Retail with over 90 sites across the UK. With the Fitness First business added to its gym portfolio, it is now the second largest operator of gyms in the UK.
Long said: “I’m delighted to be leading the DW Group.
“I will be ably supported by Scott Best who will head up Fitness, and Matthew Sharpe who will continue to head up Retail, plus our newly expanded senior team.
“Combining DW Sport’s pedigree in retail and fitness with the experience and strength of the Fitness First brand signals exciting times ahead for the Group.”
Long has extensive experience in both the fitness and retail sectors most recently spending eight years as CEO of LA Fitness. Prior to that, he was CEO of Game Group, the market leader in video game retailing, which grew to over 800 stores in nine countries during his 13 years with the business.