Life Fitness has appointed Chris Clawson as its CEO, succeeding the outgoing Jason Worthy.

Clawson previously served as President of Life Fitness – from 2010 to 2016 – and most recently was chair of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

He first joined Life Fitness in 1994 in a product development role and, after 10 years with the company, went on to several fitness industry leadership roles, including president of Matrix Fitness Systems, before returning in 2010.

Clawson will take over the role of CEO with immediate effect.

"Given his extensive fitness industry and leadership experience, we believe that Chris is uniquely positioned to once again lead Life Fitness and help the company succeed," said Jay Bernstein, partner at KPS Capital Partners, Life Fitness' majority shareholder.

Clawson isn't the only one returning to Life Fitness. His appointment was accompanied by the announcement that Augie Nieto, founder of the modern-day Life Fitness company, will be a co-investor in the business and will be appointed to its Board of Directors.

Nieto served as President of Life Fitness from 1977 to 2000 and helped transform the company from a single-product business to the market leader in the commercial fitness equipment industry.

Bernstein added, "We are thrilled to bring Augie back as an investor and a strategic partner. We are confident that his experience and vision will help Life Fitness build on its leadership position and drive forward its legacy of being a strong, focused, and innovative global market leader."