Pendle Leisure Trust Gets a New CEO

Pendle Leisure Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Gwynne as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Alison Goode, who has served in the role for the past 81⁄2 years.

Simon joins Pendle Leisure Trust with over 29 years of experience in the leisure industry and said: “I am extremely excited to have this opportunity as the CEO of Pendle Leisure Trust and am looking forward to working with our partners Pendle Borough Council in helping our communities to be healthy and active across our sites in Pendle.

Over 29 years of working within the industry through a wide range of roles has helped me appreciate the various levels and impact of interactions with customers within Trusts. These roles have ranged from work experience, to swimming teaching, to being a General Manager for multiple sites and working in a variety of regions from Herefordshire to Wiltshire to Bridgend.

For the last 9 years I have been working in South Wales in Bridgend where I was Partnership Manager for Halo Leisure and worked closely with Bridgend County Borough Council in delivering for their communities and representing CLUK on the National Board for the NERS (National Exercise Referral Scheme for Public Health Wales).

The energy uplifts and cost of living crisis have created a wide series of challenges for us all and working collaboratively within the region to support the corporate objectives for the council and with our local health partners in tackling healthinequalities is a key focus for the role over the next few years.”

Alison Goode, who recently retired from the role of CEO, reflected on her time with Pendle Leisure Trust: “The last 8 1⁄2 years as CEO of Pendle Leisure Trust has been an absolute privilege. My decision to take early retirement is one that I have not taken lightly. I love Pendle Leisure Trust, my job and the people I work with but after 40 years in local government, the time has come to enjoy some “me” time.

I have been honoured to work with some fabulous people and organisations including the staff at PLT and I would like to personally thank the staff for their unwavering support and commitment to me over the years. In addition, I would also like to thank our loyal customers.

Even though PLT has faced many challenges over the years including austerity, Covid and the energy crisis, we have and continue to achieve so much by providing and investing in great services, facilities and activities to support the residents of Pendle to lead a healthy and physically active lifestyle

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Simon to Pendle Leisure Trust.

“It’s so important that local people have access to a wide range of activities which will enhance health and wellbeing in our communities, promoting physical and mental health.

“I very much look forward to working in partnership with Simon to ensure the Leisure Trust continues to provide good quality leisure facilities.

“A big thank you to Alison for all of your hard work and commitment over the years!”

Pendle Leisure Trust looks forward to this new chapter as they continue their dedication to providing high-quality leisure and fitness services to the community. With a focus on promoting physical health, mental well-being, and social interaction, for the diverse needs of its customers and the wider community.