Board of Directors
John Treharne
Chair of the Board
John founded The Gym Group in 2007 and has over 30 years’experience in the health andfitness industry.
John launched Dragons Health Club plc in 1991, before its flotation on AIM in 1997 and sale to Crown Sports plc in 2000.
John was appointed Chair ofthe Board and the Nomination Committee in July 2022, and took on the role of Executive Chair in January 2023, with a focus on supporting the transition to a new CEO. John stood down as Executive Chair in September 2023 when Will Orr joined the Board as CEO.
Board skills and experience
John’s wealth of operational and leadership experience and knowledge of industry trends offers the Board valuable context to develop its strategy and inform its decisions. As founder of The Gym Group, John has an unmatched network of industry connections and corporate knowledge used to support the business and the Board’s evolution, and as Chair, John provides stability and continuity in leadership.
Other appointments
ukactive
Board member
EuropeActive
Board member
Will Orr
Chief Executive Officer
Will joined The Gym Group as Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) in September 2023. Will was formerly MD of Times Media Limited, publisher of the Times and Sunday Times, and previously held Managing Director roles for RAC and British Gas (Centrica Plc). Will is a Fellow of the Marketing Society and has an MBA from London University.
Board skills and experience
Will brings significant experience developing and delivering sustainable customer growth strategies (including pricing, proposition, digital marketing, and retention strategies) as well as operational expertise in businesses where customer experience is critical.
Other appointments
None
Luke Tait
Chief Financial Officer
Luke is the Group’s Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’) and joined The Gym Group in October 2022. Luke was formerly Group CFO of Nando’s Group Holdings Limited, the global restaurant business, which he joined in 2017. Prior to this, he held various finance roles at SSP plc, including CFO of the UK and US businesses and Group Corporate Finance Director, finishing his time as Group Financial Controller. Luke is a chartered management accountant.
Board skills and experience
Luke brings a broad experience to the Board from global leisure businesses to lead the finance function. In his first full year as CFO in 2023, Luke has worked with the leadership and stakeholders across the business to ensure the Group is well placed to capitalise on the significant market opportunities ahead.
Other appointments
None
Elaine O’Donnell
Senior Independent Director
Elaine is a highly experienced financial professional and is Senior Independent Director
and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. She is also Chair of the Audit Committee of On the
Beach Group plc, and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and Non-Executive Director of
SThree plc. She was formerly Chair of Games Workshop plc until 31 December 2022,
having served in various roles on that Board since 2013. Elaine was previously a Partner at Ernst & Young and is a chartered accountant.
Board skills and experience
Elaine brings to the Board extensive experience as a Non-Executive Director and plc Chair, and Committee member of a diverse range of businesses. Elaine’s financial knowledge and expertise, in addition to her online retail industry experience, supports the Board in its oversight of the Group’s financial reporting and related controls.
Other appointments
On the Beach plc
Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee
SThree plc
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
Wais Shaifta
Non-Executive Director
Wais is currently CEO of Private Doc and has substantiale-commerce expertise from a number of leading online businesses. Prior to his current role, Wais was CEO at Push Doctor, one of the leading digital healthcare companies in Europe, workingin partnership with the NHS to connect thousands of patients a week with clinicians. Before joining Push Doctor, Wais was Director of Global Operations at Treatwell, and prior to that was International Operations Director at Just Eat.
Board skills and experience
Wais’ background in leading technology businesses gives him a strong understanding of the vital role technology plays in our drive to be ever more relevant to members.Wais’s experience of healthcare businesses means he is well aligned with our purpose to provide access to affordable fitness for all.
Other appointments
PrivateDoc
CEO
Reach plc
Non-Executive Director
Samaipata
Operating Partner
Snappy Group
Non-Executive Director
Richard Stables
Non-Executive Director
Richard is an experienced corporate financier, having spent 32 years at Lazard. Currently Richard is a Partner at Fulcrum Advisory Partners LLP, an independent advisory firm, and a Senior Advisor to Blantyre Capital. Richard is a qualified chartered accountant.
Board skills and experience
Richard brings his strong experience of corporate finance and understanding of the UK financial markets to support the Board in its strategic direction and decision-making, deepening the Board’s skillset for the future. Richard is also a Non-Executive Director of Archer Ltd.
Other appointments
Fulcrum Advisory Partners LLP
Partner
Blantyre Capital
Senior Advisor
Archer Ltd
Non-Executive Director
Simon Jones
Non-Executive Director
Simon is CEO of Away Resorts and, prior to this role, was Managing Director for Premier Inn and Restaurants, UK and Global Commercial Director at Whitbread, leading the UK business for Premier Inn and Whitbread’s portfolio of restaurant brands since 2016. Simon was also Marketing and Strategy Director at Premier Inn and, before joining Whitbread in 2012, had over 15 years’ experience as a strategy consultant, working with a variety of clients across the retail and hospitality space, latterly as a partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants.
Board skills and experience
Simon has extensive commercial and operational experience in building UK-wide businesses whose customer proposition is based on value and quality, which supports the Board’s discussions and future growth plans.
Other appointments
Away Resorts
CEO