Arthur McColl, CEO of Collective Wellness Group, is leaving the business on 31 March.

McColl told the franchise network “It has been my absolute privilege to lead the CWG business for over four years, supporting the growth and success of our incredible brands and network of franchisees.

“I would hope that my legacy would be the building of trust, integrity and delivery of growth in all areas.  The business is in great shape to hand over to a new CEO who will continue to drive growth to the next level.”

The outgoing CEO came to the business fresh to franchising but with a solid leadership career in the fitness industry. He was UK operations director at LivingWell,  developed the brand in Australia as part of the Hilton global strategy and held commercial director and COO roles at LA Fitness, before joining Anytime Fitness as CEO.

In 2017 he took on the group CEO role, with responsibility for Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness and Xtend Barre.

McColl told Inside Franchise Business he had enjoyed the franchisees’ high levels of engagement and commitment but the time is now right for him to take on a new role before taking early retirement.

“It’s a big decision, and I’ve had an incredible response from the franchise network. I’m taking a bit of time off before my next move,” he said.

CWG will be conducting a search for the new CEO, said McColl, and in the interim GM Gordon Martin will continue to lead the Anytime Fitness business, supported by both CWG COO Simon Thompson and the board.

McColl said “I will continue to drive forward a number of key initiatives and ensure a smooth and successful transition for the business.”

Last year McColl was named one of the Top 30 Franchise Executives in the 2019 report, an Inside Franchise Business initiative.