Oldham Active announces executive restructure

Simon Blair

Oldham Active (Oldham Community Leisure) has announced the promotion of Simon Blair to a pivotal new role as Deputy CEO, overseeing all commercial facets of the business, customer experience and marketing.

Blair’s promotion from Business Development Manager follows Oldham Active’s strategic review of its Executive Management Team.

The new role was created due to the recent retirement of Oldham Active’s esteemed Chief Operating Officer, Glenn Tolan, and is designed to ensure the continued growth and success of the charitable leisure trust, by focusing on key areas crucial to its stakeholders and customers.

Blair’s key responsibilities include overseeing brand managers for fitness, swimming and junior coached activities, managing central customer service operations and CRM, and directing all marketing and communications efforts for the company. 

He will also support Oldham Active’s CEO, Stuart Lockwood, and assume responsibility for critical matters in his absence.

Lockwood said: “We believe this new structure will drive Oldham Active forward, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional health and wellbeing provisions to our community.

"We are passionate about improving life outcomes for the people of Oldham and are confident that Simon will excel in this role and contribute significantly to our ongoing success.”

Blair added: “I am thrilled to be promoted to Deputy CEO of Oldham Active.

"This new role allows me to further Oldham Active’s mission of promoting health and wellness within our community, whilst leading an incredible team.

"I am excited about the opportunity to drive impactful initiatives, foster strong partnerships, and enhance the overall experience for our customers.

"This promotion is not only a professional milestone but also a chance to contribute more significantly to a cause I am deeply passionate about.”

Blair has extensive experience of the leisure and fitness industry in both the private and public sectors, and previously spent 18 years working at Trafford Leisure across several key roles.

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