Posted:14-November-2019
HITIO Gym appoints Simon Hayes as Managing Director to lead UK expansion
Thursday 14th November, 2019 – HITIO Gym has announced the appointment of Simon Hayes, experienced global health and fitness professional, as UK Managing Director to lead the Norwegian gym franchise’s expansion across the UK.
HITIO Gym, which combines a traditional gym and studio offering with combat sports training, has become one of the largest fitness chains in Norway, now with 32 clubs open nationwide and 10 more set to open next year.
In his new role, Simon will take on responsibility for the UK B2B and B2C sales and marketing strategy to further establish the concept following the opening of its first two sites in the UK early next year.
Simon joins HITIO Gym with 19 years’ experience in senior commercial roles across the UK, Europe and Asia, including most recently as Head of Franchise Partnership & Development at énergie Fitness, one of the UK’s leading fitness club brands.
In his time at énergie, Simon recruited over 80 new franchisees into the network and provided end-to-end support for entrepreneurs on their franchising journey.
Simon started out in the industry as a Regional Sales Director for Esporta, now Virgin Active, before joining Pure Jatomi Fitness where he spent six years improving performance across 12 territories. Simon quickly progressed from Country Manager of Europe to Chief Operating Officer of the Turkey region, before being appointed Managing Director of Asia.
Commenting on Simon’s appointment, Mark Chambers, CEO of HITIO Gym, said: “Simon’s expertise in B2B franchise sales and the health and fitness sector make him the ideal candidate to lead the HITIO Gym takeover across the UK. With a proven track record at several successful gym chains across multiple continents, we are delighted to have him on board.
“Simon joins us as we prepare to open our first two UK clubs in January 2020, soon to be followed by a number of other sites in Q1. We also opened our first club in Portugal and have recently signed a master franchise agreement in Sweden, so it’s a really exciting time for the brand”
HITIO Gym’s distinctive model brings people together through physical activity by targeting a large customer base including families and children, who can exercise at the same time. Each facility combines a state-of-the-art gym and studio with group training in a variety of martial arts, with membership packages available to suit individuals’ training needs.
On his new role, Simon commented: “It is rare that an opportunity like this comes along to work for a brand with what I believe is the most exciting concept that has come to market in recent times. HITIO Gym offers a clear alternative to other gym operators and it is a hugely attractive proposition to investors.
“I can’t wait to get started and to work with the franchisees to bring communities around the country together through physical activity and make a real difference through HITIO Gym’s unique offering.”
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