Australian 24 hour fitness franchise network Anytime Fitness has appointed a general manager, David Ciantar, who brings to the role experience at Gloria Jean’s Coffee, New Zealand Natural, and McDonald’s.

Ciantar will manage a franchise support team of two staff, and takes responsibility for franchisee support, increasing the speed of club openings, and overseeing the property arena. This leaves brother and sister team of Justin McDonell and Jacinta McDonell Jimenez, who head up the Australian operation, to spend more time on strategy, marketing and PR.

McDonell told Franchising Ciantar’s experience would benefit Anytime Fitness. “We were looking for a real franchise person who understands the needs of franchisees. As we grow, there will be new challenges to face,” he said.

Long-term goals include opening 300 clubs in Australia and 50 clubs in New Zealand within the next three years. The Hunter Valley and Newcastle region has been a particular success with franchise opportunities sold out in the area.

While Sydney and Melbourne are an ongoing focus for expansion, Western Australia is a target right now for growth.

Overseas the US based global fitness franchise plans to open clubs in the UK, Northern Ireland, Japan, Belgium and the Netherlands.