Charitable leisure trust Horizon Leisure has appointed industry expert Alan Elliott as its new Head of Leisure, bringing 35 years of experience across the public, private and trust leisure sectors.
Elliott’s appointment to the Horizon Leisure Senior Leadership Team signals a key strategic move for the trust as it continues its expansion plans. In his new role, Elliott will oversee all operational aspects of Horizon Leisure’s sites, leading teams spanning facility management, customer experience, aquatics, fitness, group exercise, children’s activities, events and hospitality. He is also responsible for strengthening operational standards and member experience, and for driving future growth.
From lifeguard to Head of Leisure
Starting his career at 16 as a lifeguard at his local leisure centre in Farnborough, Elliott’s career exemplifies a full-circle industry journey. He was previously Business Manager at Active Nation and Regional Director for Serco Leisure, and most recently managed the public and school sports facilities at Charterhouse School.
Elliott said: “Horizon Leisure has a fantastic reputation within the industry as a charitable leisure trust that genuinely lives its values: Passion, Respect, Innovation, Dynamism and Empowerment. We are lucky to have a highly passionate and ambitious team that means, as we expand, every member who walks through our doors receives an exceptional, welcoming leisure experience.
“My goal is to bring a sharp operational lens to all our strategic decisions. By embedding strong operational consistency, we will continue to improve the high standards required to drive Horizon Leisure’s expansion into new sites, regions and private gym concepts.”
Mike Lyons, CEO of Horizon Leisure, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alan to the Horizon Leisure family at this pivotal time. His commercial and operational capability and his clear alignment with our values make him a valuable addition to the senior leadership team.”
Outside of his professional role, Elliott coaches his son’s under-14 football team and is a season ticket holder for the Guildford Flames ice hockey team.
