Matrix Fitness UK has named Matthew Pengelly as its new managing director.

Pengelly, who has 23 years of experience in the fitness industry, will replace Jon Johnston who is stepping down after serving almost 10 years in the role, as revealed by Health Club Management earlier this month.

Pengelly began his fitness career with Holmes Place, a premium health, fitness and wellness brand. He moved to Star Trac UK in 2004 where he held roles, including UK and Ireland sales manager, managing director of UK, and managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For the past four years, Pengelly has served as the senior vice president at Performance Health Systems, working on the Power Plate brand.

On his appointment at Matrix, Pengelly said: “With its comprehensive, innovative product portfolio; dedicated and talented employee base; and unwavering commitment to its customers, Matrix Fitness is really helping to shape the future of the fitness industry. I’m honoured and excited to join this team.”

Matrix Fitness is the commercial division of Johnson Health Tech.

Jason Lo, Johnson Health Tech, chief executive, said: “Johnson Health Tech, and particularly our Matrix Fitness brand, has seen significant growth across the United Kingdom in the past ten years and we’d like to thank Jon Johnston for his leadership over this same time period.

“Matthew is a strategic leader with the experience necessary to build on this momentum and elevate Matrix to the next level in the UK. I believe that under his guidance Matrix Fitness will achieve both market leadership and the premium brand position in the UK that it enjoys in other regions. We’re pleased that Matthew is joining the global Johnson family.” 

Pengelly will begin his role on 7 June, with Johnston staying on during a transition period until September.