The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has promoted its chief operating officer Dave Stalker to the role of executive director.

Stalker will begin in his new position with immediate effect after the move was unanimously ratified by the FIA board in a meeting late last week (3 December).

Stalker, whose career has included stints at LA Fitness, Leisure Connection and First Leisure, joined the FIA in July 2008 when he was appointed the association's operations director.

According to a spokesperson, Stalker's promotion is a recognition of his work as chief operating officer in developing operations and expanding the reach of the association.

During his tenure, the FIA has appointed its first ever chief medical officer and launched the MoreActive4Life consumer campaign, which has already attracted 200,000 people to take part.

It is hoped that Stalker's strong experience in working for operators will further enhance FIA's delivery of future campaigns.

Fred Turok, FIA chair, said: "David's extensive experience as an operator has proved invaluable in aligning the FIA more closely with the ambitions and requirements of the industry we represent.

"That, plus the great inroads he has made in increasing the professionalism, the efficiency and the effectiveness if the FIA team was why the board unanimously agreed to promote him to the position of executive director."

Stalker's appointment follows the departure of former chief executive officer Andrée Deane earlier this year.