Exclusive: Martin Seibold leaves Fitness First following DW deal
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/923524_442239.jpg)
Martin Seibold, the managing director of Fitness First UK, has left the company eight months after it was acquired by DW Sports, Health Club Management can reveal.
The move has ended Seibold's more-than-decade-long association with the mid-market fitness brand – almost five years of which he spent as MD.
In September 2016, DW Sport – owned by sportswear mogul Dave Whelan – acquired the firm and its whole 62-club portfolio.
Following the deal it was revealed that the Fitness First’s brand would be kept, while Seibold was expected to stay on to “work closely” with DW Sports managing director Scott Best.
In an exclusive interview with Health Club Management shortly after the acquisition, Seibold said that the deal “won’t be a case of DW just jumping in and dictating how things are done”.
“It will take six to nine months for all the pieces to fall into place. But we have a combination of two brands that are really going place, and that’s very exciting,” he added.
DW Sports and Fitness First declined to comment.
![](https://www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/images/SMlogoSmall.jpg)
Recreation Assistant (Dry Site)
Party Leader
Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard (NPLQ required)
Fitness Consultant Grade 3
Commercial Manager
Receptionist
General Manager
General Manager
Swim Teacher
Customer Service Advisor
Swimming Teacher
Swimming Teacher
Company profile
![Company profile: IndigoFitness Company profile: IndigoFitness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/dir/802064_998801.jpg)
Featured Supplier
![Developing tomorrow’s champions: BLK BOX and Cardiff Met’s Archers Performance Centre Developing tomorrow’s champions: BLK BOX and Cardiff Met’s Archers Performance Centre](http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353688_659798_756339.jpg)
Property & Tenders
Company: Jersey War Tunnels
Company: Savills
Company: Cotswold Lakes Trust
Company: Knight Frank
Company: Belvoir Castle