Reiver Fitness has appointed Jim Graham, former chief operating officer of The Gym Group, as its new chair.

Graham will invest alongside founder and director, industry veteran Jon Johnston, in order to accelerate the company’s growth and assist the business with strategy development.

Founded by Johnston – formerly the MD of Matrix UK – last year, Reiver focuses on providing a route to market for innovative fitness and sports products and technology.

During his time with the Gym Group, Graham formed part of the leadership team responsible for doubling the size of the business and was instrumental in steering the company through a successful stock exchange listing.

Prior to his role with the Gym Group, Graham was operating partner at leading mid-market private equity investor, Phoenix Equity Partners, where he worked on the company’s £50m investment in The Gym Group.

During his career, has also held senior positions at Candover Partners, Orange and Accenture.

He is also currently a non-executive director at "mini sports science lab" service provider FitQuest and sits on the advisory board of UK Active’s ActiveLab programme.

"I’m excited to be joining Jon at Reiver," Graham told Leisure Opportunities.

"The company has huge potential and is led by a highly regarded and experienced team who are passionate and committed to growing the brand into a major player in the market."

Founder and director of Reiver, Jon Johnston, added: "The next phase in our development is to focus on showcasing our products to market.

"We will be exhibiting at Elevate next week and conducting selected product demonstrations on stand.”

To read an interview with Graham, which appeared in the February 2017 issue of Health Club Management magazine, click here.