Horizon Leisure has appointed industry stalwart Peter Cheeseman as its new Head of Operations.
Cheeseman joins Horizon Leisure with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the leisure industry, most recently as National Commercial Manager at Freedom Leisure, where he established a strong reputation for enhancing facility performance and creating vibrant community spaces.
His proven track record in the industry is further supported by previous leadership positions as Area Manager for the New Forest and Woking areas at Freedom Leisure and as Business Manager at Active Nation. His expertise in local authority collaboration will be instrumental in driving Horizon Leisure’s vision to help communities to lead happier, healthier lives.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, he will also lead the operational delivery of Horizon Leisure’s facilities in Havant, Waterlooville and Guildford, as well as its community assets, including the Wellbeing Hub in Havant’s Meridian Shopping Centre.
Mike Lyons, CEO Horizon Leisure, said: “Peter joins us at a pivotal time, his commercial capability and clear alignment with our mission make him a valuable addition to the team. In his new role, Peter will play a central role in delivering our five-year plan, and he his leadership will support our continued growth and the positive impact we deliver across our communities.”
Cheeseman, a former athlete, who maintains a highly active lifestyle bringing first-hand understanding of the transformative power of physical activity, added: “I am incredibly excited to join an organisation that so clearly shares my values. I have always believed that leisure centres are the heartbeat of any community and my goal is to ensure that every person who walks through a Horizon Leisure door feels supported and welcome.”
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About Horizon Leisure Centres
Horizon Leisure is a charitable trust based in South England, operating multi-activity community wellbeing centres in Havant, Waterlooville and Guildford, as well as a Wellbeing hub located in a shopping mall in Havant. The centres are dedicated to providing a wide range of sporting and leisure activities for everyone.
Horizon’s Community Health and Wellbeing Programme has grown significantly, with a range of health intervention initiatives being introduced to cater for individuals of every age, ability level and varying health needs.
In June 2023, Horizon, working collaboratively with Havant Borough Council, established its inaugural Health and Wellbeing Hub at the Meridian Shopping Centre. This initiative will allow Horizon to bring its health message directly to the community.
Horizon opened its third premier health and wellbeing facility in Merrow, Guildford in the Summer of 2023. This expansion represents a bold new chapter, helping Horizon to extend its influence across the South of England. The £1 million facility investment will help Horizon offer top-notch amenities for health, fitness, swimming and spa experiences, bolstered by a vibrant community health programme that aligns with its charitable goals.
