Leisure OpCo was founded and operated by three long-time industry colleagues, each with a wide range of knowledge and skills after gaining over 90 years of collective experience in the leisure, hospitality and entertainment sectors. Together, they combine a hands-on approach and a forward, innovative way of thinking to provide specialist and expertise, insight, and support required to successfully manage all kinds of leisure business.
Simon Townsend is a highly experienced strategic leader and advisor in the leisure, tourism and entertainment sectors, with more than 30 years’ experience leading complex visitor destinations and delivering sustainable commercial growth.
Simon has successfully led multi-million-pound businesses and large operational teams, delivering significant improvements in visitor numbers, guest experience and EBITDA performance. He brings deep expertise in operational transformation, commercial performance, large-scale attractions, live events, and destination development.
His work has included the development of long-term masterplans, delivery of major capital investment projects, business restructuring, and the creation of high-profile events programmes that drive footfall and brand reputation.
Known for his strategic clarity and strong communication style, he has extensive experience working with boards, trustees, non-executive directors and high-net-worth stakeholders across commercial, heritage and charitable organisations.
Alongside his executive roles, Simon provides strategic advisory support to organisations seeking to grow visitor destinations, improve commercial performance or develop ambitious new attractions and entertainment experiences.
Simon has held senior roles with
With over 30 years of experience, Josh is a dynamic and results-driven executive with extensive experience in the family entertainment, attractions, leisure and hospitality industries.
Working with and for business of all sizes, he has proven success in driving operational excellence, business development, and financial growth. A visionary leader skilled in managing organizational change, fostering high-performance teams, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. He is recognised for consistently enhancing profitability, optimizing employee productivity, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Josh has a strong entrepreneurial flair and an exceptional eye for detail and understands first-hand the operational challenges and commercial opportunities presented by the industry which has helped to ensure his continuing success in an industry that he is truly passionate about. Josh serves on the executive board of DATA (Devon’s Association of Top Attractions) and is a member of the management committee of BALPPA (The British Association of Piers, Parks and Attractions)
Josh has held senior positions with:
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Trevor is an experienced senior leader with over 30 years in the leisure, hospitality, and visitor attraction industries. He has a strong track record of leading large-scale operations, driving business growth, and successfully delivering new attraction openings across the leisure, hotel, and retail sectors.
Trevor held senior operational roles with Merlin Entertainments, including leadership positions at Warwick Castle, the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. He currently serves as General Manager at Land’s End for Heritage Great Britain, overseeing the operational and strategic development of several key sites in Cornwall.
Known for his creative and forward-thinking approach, Trevor is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences while building and developing high-performing teams.
Trevor has held senior positions with