Chris Clawson takes over as the new president of Life Fitness after coming over from Johnson Health Tech North America. Photo courtesy of Life Fitness.

LAKE FOREST, IL -- Brunswick Corp., the parent company of Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, has named Chris Clawson as Life Fitness’ new president.

Clawson makes his return to Life Fitness after serving as the president and CEO of Johnson Health Tech North America, the manufacturer of Matrix Fitness equipment, where he had been since 2007. Prior to that, Clawson was vice president of marketing and business development for Stamina Products. He had served in a number of positions for Life Fitness during his 25 years in the fitness industry, including vice president of consumer sales and marketing.

Clawson replaces John Stransky, who left Life Fitness in April. Clawson will report to Brunswick Chairman and CEO Dustan E. McCoy, whose company reported strong second quarter results last month.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Chris back to Life Fitness, where he will apply his industry knowledge and expertise in leading a talented team of employees, whose mission is to provide the global fitness community with outstanding products and services,” McCoy said in a statement.

Clawson, a former minor-league baseball player in the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves organizations, received his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and his baccalaureate from San Diego State University. He also attended Newman University in Wichita, KS.

In other Life Fitness news, Kevin Hedley has joined the company after serving as the chief operating officer of O2 Fitness, Raleigh, NC. Hedley’s last day at O2 Fitness was July 30. His role at Life Fitness and Hammer Strength has not been announced by the company.

Nathan Pyles has replaced Chris Clawson as president and CEO of Johnson Health Tech North America. Photo courtesy of Johnson Health Tech North America.

Johnson Health Tech immediately named Nathan Pyles to replace Clawson as president. Pyles, who previously served on Johnson Health Tech’s board of directors, has been with the Cottage Grove, WI-based company for 17 years. He previously preceded Clawson as president of Matrix Fitness, where he helped increase commercial sales in North America by four times over three years.

“Nathan was the natural choice for the job,” said Jason Lo, CEO of Johnson Health Tech Co. Ltd. “He understands all aspects of our business, including our culture, operations and vision for the future. He has served at various levels within the organization, which gives him a keen understanding of our day-to-day operations, as well as our long-term initiatives. He has played a key role in creating our vision for the future, and that’s to be the leading global provider of products that contribute to the health and well-being of our customers.”

Johnson Health Tech also promoted Bob Zande to chief operating officer in addition to his role as chief financial officer.

“We have a strong leadership team in place that’s focused on executing our long-term strategic plan,” Pyles said in a statement. “We remain committed to our core goals and strategies, including quality, customer service, creating a best-in-class workplace, market leadership and operational excellence. Our dedication to these principles has served us well and has helped us become one of the leading global providers in the fitness industry.”

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