Global fitness giant Les Mills International has named Brian Gagne as the new chief executive officer of its North American arm Les Mills US.

Gagne will be tasked with directing all US operations for the wholly owned subsidiary and succeeds Jesper Magnusson in the role.

"We are excited to welcome Brian to the Les Mills team and look forward to insights and experience he will bring to our valued US partners," said Keith Burnet, chief operating officer for Les Mills International.

"He brings a strong understanding of our industry and has the leadership and vision to help lead the next phase of growth for our US business."

Gagne – who has spent the past 28 years working in the fitness industry – has a background in business development, new product and service development, as well as team leadership and management.

He previously served as chief operating officer for US-based Health Fitness Corporation, which delivers corporate health and fitness management services for one in five US Fortune 100 companies.

Gagne has also served as a director at Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems and as executive director for several Chicago-based medical health and fitness centres, including Gottlieb Hospital, Centegra Health System and Edward Hospital.

"Les Mills has a rich history in the evolution and innovation of assisted and social group exercise," said Gagne.

"I look forward to collaborating with the passionate and talented team at Les Mills to leverage these strengths and help our customers help their members fall in love with fitness and achieve our goal of creating a fitter planet."

Meanwhile, Sarah Durnford, Les Mills veteran of 15 years, has been promoted to the position of head trainer of Les Mills’ UK operations.

Durnford’s main responsibility will be to oversee the training and professional development of the 87 employed UK Les Mills trainers.

Commenting on her new role, Dumford said: “Les Mills supports some of the most dedicated, inspiring and successful instructors in the world.

"It is the quality of our instructor training programme which sits at the heart of the brand’s success."