Meet the board

Justin McDonell
Co-founder and Chairman, Collective Wellness Group

Spotting opportunity for growth,  Justin McDonell launched what is now the biggest gym community in Australia – Anytime Fitness, in 2008.

With a drive to grow brands to become market leaders in the wellness sector, Justin is dedicated to creating businesses that value their employees and members. He's passionate about providing exceptional experiences, while pushing the boundaries to help people prioritise their wellbeing.

Justin is a Director of Anytime Fitness in the United Kingdom and he sits on the board of the industry body, Fitness Australia. His duties keep him busy and mean that, with his partner Renee, he's frequently travelling between the USA, UK and Australia. 

With parents who worked in the industry, Justin grew up surrounded by fitness and he owned his first gym at 18 years old. Today, Justin balances an enthusiasm for skiing with a love for great food and wine. He’s always looking forward to his next trip to the slopes and fine dining experience.  

Richard Peil
Co-founder and Director, Collective Wellness Group

With over 30 years’ experience in the fitness industry, Rich Peil has owned and operated numerous health clubs varying in size from niche 200 member weight loss facilities to his largest club of over 7,000 members.

He is also one of Australia’s most awarded club operators, including winner of the coveted Australian Health Club of the Year, as well as numerous state and territory awards.

Rich is passionate about identifying and researching businesses in the wellness sector that provide genuine results to their members.

Rich started his obsession with health and fitness at a young age as a professional soccer player and through martial arts. That obsession continues today with his commitment to exercising seven days a week, either boxing, snowboarding, mountain biking, surfing, or weight training. Luckily, rich’s wife Jess has the same level of passion for exercise and activity, and it was inevitable that this would be passed on to their three children who all partake in high level sports, and understand they have to move their bodies every day.

David Mortensen
Co-founder Collective Wellness Group, President and Co-Founder Anytime Fitness and Self Esteem Brands

With more than 25 years’ experience managing, consulting, owning and franchising health clubs, Dave Mortensen has distinguished himself as a leading authority in the field of fitness. Mortensen revolutionised the fitness industry when he and Chuck Runyon co-founded Anytime Fitness – an alternative to big-box gyms.

The first Anytime Fitness club opened its doors in Cambridge, Minnesota in May 2002. In the years since, Anytime Fitness has quickly become an international powerhouse - with more than 3,500 gyms located in 50 US states and nearly 30 countries across five continents, serving a total of 3 million members.

Under Mortensen's leadership, Anytime Fitness has earned numerous industry accolades, including “One of America’s Most Promising Companies,” “Top Global Franchise” and “Fastest-Growing Fitness Club”. Additionally, Anytime Fitness has been honoured as a “Top Franchise for Minorities” and “The Best Place to Work in Minnesota” four years in a row.

As a child, Dave was incredibly active, almost always outdoors playing and competing in a wide variety of sports. In high school and college, Dave excelled as a wrestler, earning a reputation as a fearless competitor who never quits. These days, in addition to his regular workouts, Dave enjoys hiking and rigorous, early-morning walks with his dog.

Arthur McColl
CEO Collective Wellness Group

Arthur McColl is the CEO of Collective Wellness Group. He has over 30 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry spanning across large, multi-site operators. Arthur started his career as a gym instructor in a resort on Loch Lomond. Rising through the ranks of the hotel group Stakis PLC, he was part of the senior team that acquired Livingwell Health Clubs and subsequently, Viva Health clubs in the late 90’s. Under the new ownership of Hilton International Group, Livingwell thrived with Arthur taking the lead role in expanding the estate from 24 to 86 clubs with new builds and acquisitions.  

Arthur started as CEO of Anytime Fitness in late 2015, and was appointed CEO of Collective Wellness Group in 2017. Arthur is passionate about the industry and approaches his work with the utmost energy and enthusiasm; he loves the challenge of the industry and values the importance of improving members' lives. With a wealth of industry knowledge behind him, Arthur is quickly forging a reputation as a proactive business leader amongst the Australian fitness community.

A proud veteran of the fitness industry, Arthur loves nothing more than a high intensity workout and hitting the pavement for a regular run outdoors. With a massive competitive streak, Arthur is a big fan of all competitive sports.

Margaret Zabel
Non Executive Director, Collective Wellness Group

Margaret Zabel is a professional company director and specialist in customer centred business transformation, brand strategy, innovation, digital communications, customer experience and change leadership.   

 She has 20 years senior executive experience working across major companies and brands in FMCG, food, technology and communications industries including multinationals, ASX 100 and not-for-profits.  

Margaret recently joined the board of both Collective Wellness Group and G8 Education Ltd as an independent Non Executive Director. Her previous roles include National Marketing Director of Lion Nathan, VP Marketing for McDonald’s Australia and CEO and Board Director of The Communications Council.  Margaret has also served as a Non Executive Board Director for mental health charity R U OK? for 5 years.

Margaret has a passion for sport, fitness and overall wellbeing, which she carries from her early days as a competitive rhythmic gymnast representing Canada. Today, she enjoys skiing, hiking, swimming, yoga and keeping up with her two active sons.