Ralph Scholz is joining the management team at German fitness operator McFit in an executive role to lead an innovation project after four years as event director of FIBO.

The 51-year-old, who will take up his post on 1 July, will report to founder Rainer Schaller.

Details of the project, which is due to be launched in 2019, will be released at a later date.

Scholz said: "I am looking forward to the new task at McFit Global Group. I relish above all to define the challenge of today, which means being healthy in 20 years. The Fitness World will be interesting and can already look forward to this revolutionary concept."

Schaller said: "We are very proud to have convinced Ralph of our project. With many years of experience in the fitness industry, we have gained a true professional in this field. He brings the ideal skills for the upcoming project and will actively support us with its expertise."

Scholz was event director at FIBO Cologne and China between 2012 and 2017. Since March 2013 he has been chairman of the German Industrial Association for Fitness and Health.

Silke Frank has taken over the role of event director at FIBO.