Fitness industry veteran Arthur McColl is leaving his role as chief operating officer of LA fitness to become CEO of Anytime Fitness Australia.

With LA fitness health clubs currently being absorbed into the portfolio of new owner Pure Gym, McColl has decided that now is the right time to pursue a new challenge and take up the reins at Australia’s biggest gym chain. In just seven years, Anytime Fitness Australia has amassed a total of 420 gyms and McColl has been tasked with maintaining and increasing the franchise’s dominance.

“With a proven track record in multi-site management, product and brand innovation, business growth, plus team and member engagement, we are excited to see Arthur's return to Australia as CEO for Anytime Fitness,” said Anytime Australia chair and co-founder Justin McDonell.

McColl will be based at the Lane Cove Sydney HQ and will start on 26 October, having played a key role in transitioning LA fitness into the hands of its new owner.

Boasting more than 30 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, McColl will be undertaking his second stint Down Under, having previously spent three years developing the Livingwell brand in Australia from 2003 to 2006. After Livingwell was sold, he joined LA fitness, subsequently winning the FitPro Professional of the Year Award and ukactive Health Club Operator of the Year 2011.

McColl told Health Club Management that he, LA fitness CEO Martin Long and chief financial officer Ross Chester would all leave the business following a transition period.