Fitness industry veteran Nick Coutts has been appointed chair of Danish fitness tech firm Motosumo.

Coutts took up the role on 1 December, replacing the outgoing chair Nana Bule, who is also CEO of Microsoft Denmark and has been on the board of Motosumo since 2016.

Coutts co-founded Portuguese low-cost chain Fitness Hut in 2011, developing it into the national market leader. The business was acquired by Spain’s Viva Gym in 2018, creating the largest low-cost fitness group on the Iberian Peninsula. Prior to that he was the long-time CEO of premium fitness chain Holmes Place.

"Nick’s experience in the industry and his approach to fitness is very aligned with what we do,” said Motosumo CEO, Kresten Juel Jensen.

"Motosumo might be powered by a lot of very complex and sophisticated tech, but, ultimately, it’s all about the experience of bringing people together to train and have fun."

Based in Copenhagen, Motosumo aims to make group fitness "fun and inclusive" with an app offering gamification and advance tech. Using the sensors present in most users' smartphones, Motosumo provides analytics usually found in only expensive, high-end fitness equipment.

Commenting on his new role at Motosumo, Coutts said: “It’s a remarkable concept that resonates with me on a personal level.

"Fitness is not just about health; it’s about communities. And it’s amazing to see how Motosumo helps build communities for its instructors and end users.

“Motosumo has the potential to become a leader in the world of group fitness.

“It’s a unique platform with an enormous amount of potential. I’m excited to get started with the team! And one of the first things on our agenda is to prepare for an upcoming series A round of investment.”