Boutique gym operator TRIB3 has appointed Rod Hill as its European managing director.

As reported last week, the operator is in advanced talks with a private equity firm as it looks to raise capital and open its concept in Spain and Russia, before moving into other European countries.

The expansion into Europe is planned to begin with Spain's Barcelona and Madrid in the second quarter of 2017, with St Petersburg and Moscow, in Russia, expected to follow shortly after.

The operator, which has three studios in Sheffield, also plans to open a further 15 sites in the UK.

Hill began his fitness career as a trainer at Fitness First in 1992 and went on to help develop the chain from one gym to more than 450 in 20 countries.

During this period he moved to Barcelona where he lives with his wife and three children.

Hill has also worked for Anytime Fitness in Spain, helping set up 30 clubs throughout the country in the last three years.

Kevin Yates, TRIB3 managing director, said: “With more than 15 franchisees already signed up to take a TRIB3 store, our main goal is to secure the European market and with Rod Hill and his international experience behind us, we are well placed as a business to deliver our operating goal.

“Rod will join the business as European managing director and will join the main international board of TRIB3.”