The Gym Group, the nationwide operator of 230 low cost, high quality, 24/7 no contract gyms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Jones as Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

Simon is Managing Director for Premier Inn and Restaurants, UK and Global Commercial Director at Whitbread, and has led the UK business for Premier Inn and Whitbread’s portfolio of restaurant brands since 2016. During this period, Premier Inn has established a clear leadership position in the UK and has grown to over 80,000 rooms across more than 800 hotels. Prior to his current role, Simon was Marketing and Strategy Director for Premier Inn, with accountability for driving the commercial and marketing agenda for the brand. Before joining Whitbread in 2012, Simon had over 15 years’ experience as a strategy consultant, working with a variety of clients across the retail and hospitality industry, latterly as a partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants.

Simon will join the Audit & Risk, Remuneration, Nomination and Sustainability Committees. He has no current interest in The Gym Group shares.

John Treharne, Executive Chair of The Gym Group Board, commented:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Jones to the Board. Simon clearly brings extensive commercial and operational experience in building UK-wide businesses whose customer proposition is based on value and quality. With this insight and background, we know that he will make an invaluable contribution as we look to continue to grow The Gym Group going forward. On behalf of the Board, I’d like to welcome Simon to The Gym Group – we are looking forward to working with him.

Simon Jones, Managing Director for Premier Inn and Restaurants, UK and Global Commercial Director at Whitbread, commented:

I am delighted to be joining The Gym Group, which is a business I have long admired. The Gym Group has a fantastic customer proposition, backed by a market-leading operating model, and I am looking forward to working with the Board to support the ongoing growth of the company.

The above notification is made pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.11R. There are no matters in respect of Simon Jones requiring disclosure under Listing Rules 9.6.13(2) to 9.6.13(6) inclusive.

For further information, please contact:

The Gym Group
John Treharne, Chair 
Richard Darwin, Chief Executive 
Luke Tait, Chief Financial Officer 
via Tulchan Communications

Tulchan Communications
James Macey White
Laura Marshall
+44 (0) 207 353 4200