Fitness operator Gold's Gym has named Craig Sherwood as its chief development officer.

Sherwood, a franchise development specialist, has more than 20 years' of experience across a variety of sectors.

He first joined Gold's Gym in 2016 as senior vice president of franchise and licensing. Last year (2018) he led the brand to its most successful year of global expansion through franchising in company history.

"Craig has played an integral part in building and developing trust with our global franchise community and brings exceptional leadership skills, passion and discipline to the role," said Adam Zeitsiff, Gold's Gym president and CEO.

"His impressive track record leading our franchise and licensing department to new heights has been instrumental in our continued franchise growth success."

In his new role, Sherwood will maintain overarching responsibility for the brand's franchise community and licensing programmes, while spearheading the charge to expand the brand's international footprint through master franchising.

The chain currently has more than 700 locations serving 3 million people across six continents each day.