John Penny has taken on the role of general manager at the Reebok Sports Club London.

Penny started his fitness career as a fitness instructor at the City Club, London, where he then moved into management, helping set up operational systems to anticipate peak times of the club’s 10,000 members.

In 2001 he moved to the Harbour Club in Chelsea and spent five years troubleshooting within the front of house, housekeeping and maintenance departments. He was then charged with resurrecting the spa, putting together a new beauty team and medical/massage offer, which turned the business around.

When Next Generation bought the Harbour Club business and rebranded its Carlton Club a Harbour Club, Penny moved over as club manager with a brief to emulate the Harbour Club in facilities, systems and services.

Commenting on his Reebok role, Penny said: “A motivated team is paramount to driving the business forward, while our newly-appointed retention manager will target members most at risk of leaving.”