Barry Aspinall the managing director of DW Sports and Fitness, formerly JJB Fitness Clubs, has resigned after 15 years with JJB due to family circumstances.

Winston Higham, formerly marketing director of DW Sports and Fitness will replace Aspinall as CEO. Aspinall said: "My resignation comes at a time which is exciting for the business in as much that the new owner, Dave Whelan, will be the catalyst of a new and even greater era for the clubs but in saying that, I have explained to him my concerns going forward that for personal reasons I cannot guarantee being able to give the same commitment that I have in the past.

"The business is in excellent shape to move forward. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who I have come into contact within the industry including competitors, suppliers, media and colleagues for their support and best wishes." Whelan, the founder of JJB Sports, secured the acquisition of the troubled company's nationwide chain of fitness clubs in a £83.4m deal that formed part of the new DW Sports Fitness.com venture. Whelan has assumed ownership of 53 of JJB Sports' 55 fitness facilities, with Irish properties in Dundalk and Limerick excluded from the transaction.

It is hoped that the new deal will ensure the long-term future of the embattled JJB Sports company, which now plans to enter into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to secure improved terms with all its landlords. The fitness club business currently caters for 228,600 members as at 22 March, and employs more than 1,500 staff. It is thought that the deal will see all JJB employees will transfer to DW Sports Fitness.