Bannatyne Group has named Karen Wilkinson to the board of Bannatyne Fitness.

The appointment comes just two weeks after founder Duncan Bannatyne said he will return to frontline involvement in the health club, spa and hotel business that bears his name, following the departure of CEO Justin Musgrove.

Wilkinson – who has worked at the Bannatyne Group for nearly 13 years – will undertake the new and enlarged role of group CX (customer experience) and spa director, which will cover all elements of the business, including hotel, health clubs and spas, as well as head office.

She joined the Bannatyne Group as national spa manager in 2007 and was appointed group head of spa in 2012 and later as group spa director.

Since 2009 she has delivered significant net profit growth year on year from £1.3m to £7.8m in 2018, through new income streams and technology improvements, which supported growth of the spa business, which accounts for 25 per cent of the company’s EBITDA.

“Karen has been a loyal and extremely competent colleague and will bring experience, skills and a new perspective to the Board," said Duncan Bannatyne.

“The role of customer experience director is particularly important to the company. Our members and guests are the lifeblood of the business and all our focus is on providing the best service and the best facilities. Karen’s input into this will be invaluable."

Bannatyne Group has a portfolio of 72 health clubs, 47 spas and four hotels, boasting a turnover of £127.5m in the year to December 2018 in its latest results. This figure represents growth of 8.5per cent on its 2017 results (£117.6m). Profit improved slightly, from £14.3m to £14.6m between the two years.