The DW Group has appointed Martin Long as its chief executive officer.

Long led the acquisition of Fitness First UK for the DW Group in September 2016 before his official appointment.

With the Fitness First brand added to its portfolio, DW is the second largest operator of gyms in the UK with 126 clubs. It also has 90 sports retail sites in the country.

Long has extensive experience in both the fitness and retail sectors, spending eight years as chief executive of LA Fitness. Before that he was chief executive of Game Group, a video game retailer, which grew to more than 800 stores in nine countries during his 13 years with the business.

On his appointment, which is a new position, 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.”

As reported last week in Health Club Management, Martin Seibold left his role as managing director of Fitness First UK after more than ten years at the mid-market fitness brand.