GymNation Strengthens Leadership Team to Drive GCC Expansion

GymNation, a locally grown Middle Eastern gym chain gaining widespread attention, has announced several senior hires to bolster its leadership team as the brand prepares for significant growth across the GCC region.

The new team members bring expertise in areas like marketing, finance, partnerships, business development, and construction.

These additions will enhance GymNation’s position as a regional leader in fitness and support its mission to make fitness more affordable, accessible, and inclusive.

Read More: GymNation Earns Spot on Fast Company’s Brands That Matter 2025 List

Key Appointments to the Leadership Team

• Rory McEntee, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Rory will lead innovative marketing strategies, community engagement, brand partnerships, and campaigns.
  
  His experience in crafting compelling brand stories will further establish GymNation as a culturally relevant and disruptive fitness brand.
  
  
• Rob MacTighearnain, Chief Financial Officer (CFO): With expertise in scaling high-growth businesses across SaaS, fintech, and startups, Rob is poised to guide GymNation’s strategic financial initiatives.
  
  
• Sophie Hamilton-McEntee, Head of Corporate Sales: Sophie will focus on corporate wellness programs, improving workplace well-being, and building partnerships with regional corporations to support fitness and mental health objectives.
  
  
• Samy Al Aaser, Projects Director: Coming from PureGym, Samy will manage gym expansions and fit-outs across GymNation’s portfolio.
  
  

GymNation has also established a regional head office in Riyadh, supported by a dedicated team led by Colin Carter, Director of Property and Acquisitions.

His team will oversee new property acquisitions in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Looking Ahead to Growth

Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation, expressed excitement about these new hires, emphasizing how their expertise and perspectives will help double the brand’s footprint once again.

By year’s end, GymNation aims to have 50 gyms open or under commitment across the Middle East, serving up to 500,000 members.

Holland highlighted the opening of the Riyadh headquarters as a pivotal step in the brand’s regional expansion strategy.

He also noted the upcoming launch of its first Riyadh gym in the Qurtubah District on June 20th, which already has 7,000 founding members signed up.

This strong demand underscores the need for accessible, high-quality, and affordable fitness facilities in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

About GymNation

GymNation is the Middle East’s leading fitness operator, serving over 120,000 members across 14 gyms in the UAE and 8 in Saudi Arabia.

With plans to open 30 additional locations by 2025, GymNation is on track to becoming the GCC’s largest gym chain.

Founded in 2017, GymNation’s mission is to be “The People’s Gym,” championing affordability and inclusivity while promoting physical and mental well-being.

With a vision to become the region's ultimate movement partner, GymNation aims to inspire healthier, active lifestyles throughout the GCC.

Source: insider

The opinions shared in the GymNation KSA blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.