Oldham Active (Oldham Community Leisure) has announced its new deputy CEO who has been promoted from within its ranks.

Simon Blair has been promoted to the pivotal new role, where he will oversee all commercial facets of the business, customer experience and marketing.

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.

Mr Blair’s key responsibilities will 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.

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Mr 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.

The new deputy CEO said: “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.”

Mr 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.”