Rob Barker has stepped down from his roles at Precor and Peloton with immediate effect.

Barker said he will remain in the fitness industry as an investor, taking a 'significant stake' in boutique fitness studio franchise TRIB3, which is backed by the Fisher Family. He and his family will move to Lisbon, Portugal in May.

He spent the past 27 years at commercial equipment manufacturer Precor, rising to the rank of president, where he oversaw the sale of Precor to Peloton in late 2020.

Following the deal, Barker took up a dual role of CEO of Precor and general manager of Peloton Commercial, reporting directly to William Lynch, president of Peloton.

In an open letter to his team, seen by HCM, he said: "Since joining Precor UK as a sales rep for London and Consumer in January 1995, I've enjoyed many wonderful chapters in my life.

"On Wednesday 9 February, I'll be starting my next one. After 27 years in various roles at Precor, Amer Sports and Peloton, my next chapter involves a big step as I have decided to leave Peloton.

"Why now? The last few years at Precor have been a fantastic journey and have been full-on for many of us.

"I have been honoured to have led Precor through the sale of Amer Sports to Anta, the heavy impacts of COVID-19 and the sale of the business to Peloton.

"So when recently setting our new strategy for the next growth phase, I decided it was an excellent time to step down."

Barker told HCM: “What first appealed to me was the strength of the TRIB3 team and the positioning of the brand. As I learned more about the TRIB3 model I became so excited I wanted to invest.

"There are a lot of studios out there," he continued, "but as most markets come out of COVID, I feel TRIB3 is best placed to win. I am looking forward to supporting the TRIB3 team as an investor and I am confident the growth trajectory will accelerate.”

"I'm moving from being a full-time executive at one company to being a fitness industry entrepreneur and advisor," said Barker.

"I'll continue to focus where my passion and heart lies: the fitness industry and those companies that are 'helping people live the lives they desire'.

"I fell in love with the fitness industry quickly and that love is as strong today as ever. I've worked with so many talented people at Precor, at our customers, at our partners and recently at Peloton.

"Of course, I will not work with anyone competing with Precor or Peloton," he said.

"My kids are already enrolled at an American international school near Cascais; my bike is ready for rides in the European sunshine."

Barker will be replaced at Peloton by Betsy Webb, who has been with the business for some time and will take over the role of vice president and general manager of Peloton Commercial today (Wednesday 9 February).