After some speculation, the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has confirmed that Andrée Deane has left the organisation.

In a short statement, a spokesperson confirmed that Deane parted company with the FIA back in July, but did not offer any reason for her departure.

The statement reads: "The Board of the FIA today confirmed that Andrée Deane ceased being chief executive officer of the organisation with effect from July 2009.

"Andrée has served the fitness industry and the association for many years and we wish her well in the future.

"This is the only statement which will be issued on this matter and the FIA would like to stress that any other comments attributed to the Chairman or any of the Board Members have not been issued by the FIA."

Deane joined the FIA in 1999 and was responsible for developing the FIA's public affairs strategy. Before her departure, she had become the face of the industry at government level and spearheaded the FIA’s public affairs and consumer campaigns.