Longstanding ukactive CEO David Stalker is to step down this June after seven years in the role.

Stalker has led the organisation through extensive change and substantial growth during his tenure. Most notably, he led the rebranding initiative from the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) to become ukactive, as the body repositioned to reflect the wider health role that physical activity has come to represent.

Stalker’s work throughout this period served to champion the issue of physical activity across the country, elevating its importance to society as a top tier public health concern.

Under his leadership, ukactive has grown and diversified its membership base to break the 3,500 member barrier, as well as establishing an industry-first fully established academic institute dedicated to publishing translational research on physical activity.

Most recently, Stalker oversaw ukactive’s governance review, which led to the ukactive membership approving the reform of the ukactive Board. The organisation is now in the process of recruiting a small strategic Board, which Stalker will join for 12 months to support the next CEO and also the new chair, who will replace the outgoing Fred Turok.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at ukactive, as I have seen the organisation and the sector it represents growth and diversify,” said Stalker.

“Not only has ukactive grown its membership through increasing the number and range of services but it has also improved the nation’s understanding of physical inactivity, which I am incredibly proud of.”

Stalker will maintain his executive role with the organisation until the end of June 2015 to ensure a smooth transition. He will be supported in doing so by the existing executive team which will continue to drive forward the existing business plan.

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing board, Turok said: “We must thank David for his tireless work and leadership over the seven years. When David joined we had huge ambitions for the organisation and I can honestly say he has surpassed all expectations.”