HITIO Gym has announced the appointment of Mark Chambers, senior health and fitness club professional, as CEO, ahead of the Norwegian gym franchise’s international expansion.

HITIO, which combines a traditional gym and studio offering with combat sports training, has become one of the largest fitness chains in Norway, now with 32 clubs nationwide. In his new role, Mark will be responsible for building on HITIO Gym’s success to launch and establish the concept into the UK and across Europe through master and single site franchise models. 

Mark joins HITIO with over 20 years’ experience in senior commercial roles across the UK and European fitness industries, including six years as Managing Director of global operator, Jatomi Fitness Group. 

In his time at Jatomi, Mark oversaw the opening of more than 50 new clubs across Central and Eastern Europe before taking on the organisation’s operations in Turkey, where he completed a full restructure in just six months, streamlining business performance and significantly reducing costs to create a pipeline of 17 new clubs.  

In the UK Mark has also worked for Fitness First, managing all commercial and operational activities for clubs across the London City West region and acting as a turnaround specialist within the network.

Commenting on Mark’s appointment, Per Christian Pedersen, HITIO Founder and Director of International Business Development, said: “Mark’s extensive knowledge of the health and fitness industry, alongside his wealth of experience in high-level commercial and operational roles, makes him extremely well-placed to launch HITIO internationally.

“Our concept is truly unique and one that we believe offers something different to the UK fitness industry and beyond, and we are really excited to have Mark on board to drive our international roll-out plans.” 

HITIO’s distinctive format aims to bring people together through physical activity by targeting a large customer base including families with children, who can exercise at the same time thanks to HITIO’s unique offering. Each facility combines a state-of-the-art gym and studio with group training in a variety of martial arts, with membership packages available to suit individuals’ training needs.   

Commenting on his new role and his ambitions for the brand, Mark said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role ahead of HITIO’s international launch; the industry is booming, membership and club numbers continue to rise, yet no other operator offers a concept like HITIO’s. 

“We have ambitious plans for the UK and European markets but with a proven investment model that we know works, and I am hugely passionate in the brand’s vision to create community experiences through physical activity; particularly given the challenges we are facing with child and adult obesity. HITIO offers a clear alternative to other fitness studios and it has enormous potential, both in the UK and globally.”