BH Live, an operator of leisure and event venues in the South West, has announced the appointment of Chris Symons as its new chief executive.
Chris succeeds BH Live’s first chief executive, Peter Gunn, who led the formation of the Trust in 2010. Symons will take over in April, as Gunn retires and moves into an advisory role.
Chris joins from GLL, the UK’s largest charitable social enterprise. He has a wealth of sector experience and specialist knowledge having been one of its founding members.
He also held an executive board position for over a decade, including five years as the company chair.
Symons commented: “It’s a great time to be joining BH Live – an organisation with a fantastic reputation, great ethics and a clear purpose.
“BH Live is recognised as a leading operator of leisure and cultural venues on the south coast and I’m privileged to have been chosen to drive forward the ambitions of the Trust.”
Mike Wright, Chair of BH Live, said: “We look forward to working with Chris who has an impressive record of accomplishment and leadership with more than 25 years’ experience in delivering consistent performance, leading and securing business expansion.”
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees we thank Peter for what has been achieved during his time as Chief Executive. Participation in leisure and cultural activities has increased from two million attendances in 2011 to over five million today.
“Turnover has risen from £20m (2010/11) to more than £42m (2017/18), and new partnerships with Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council have expanded our reach. We wish him every success in the future.”
