GymNation Expands GCC Footprint With New Senior Hires & Riyadh Headquarters

GymNation, the fast-rising Middle East gym chain, is entering its next phase of rapid growth with a series of senior leadership hires and the opening of a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The moves come as GymNation works toward surpassing 50 locations across the GCC by the end of 2025.

• Rory McEntee, chief marketing officer, will lead creative marketing, partnerships, and community-driven campaigns.

• Rob MacTighearnain, chief financial officer, brings extensive SaaS, fintech, and high-growth startup experience to oversee financial strategy.

• Sophie Hamilton-McEntee, head of corporate sales, will spearhead corporate wellness initiatives and partnerships across the region.

• Samy Al Aaser, projects director, previously with PureGym, will manage expansion and fit-out projects for new locations.

In addition to the new hires, GymNation’s Riyadh HQ will serve as the hub for its Saudi growth, with a KSA-based property acquisitions team led by Colin Carter overseeing expansion into Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.

“The opening of our new headquarters and these strategic hires mark a major milestone as we prepare to double the size of the business,” said Loren Holland, founder and CEO of GymNation. “With 50 open or committed gyms, we’re on track to serve up to 500,000 members across the Middle East.”

The first Saudi location in Riyadh’s Qurtubah District will open on June 20th, already boasting over 7,000 founding members—a signal of the region’s growing demand for affordable, accessible fitness options.