Freedom Leisure has appointed Jeremy Rowe as head of operations for Wales & West as the operator kicks off a host of new contract wins in the region.

The new role has been created to support recently-won business such as several sports centres in Worcesterthe the Forest Of Dean management contract and the 15 Powys centres in Wales that Freedom Leisure began managing in June.

Rowe, 43, joins from his role as regional manager at Halo Leisure, where he managed the Bridgend contract and successfully guided its transition from local authority management to a partnership with the leisure trust. He has 25 years’ experience in the leisure industry, having worked his way up from his first job as a lifeguard to contract manager.

Rowe’s new role at Freedom Leisure is to oversee the smooth running of the new contracts in Powys, Forest of Dean, Worcester, Malvern and the most recently awarded contract in Wrexham. He will also oversee the various refurbishment and building works taking place and will draw on his extensive experience, local knowledge and strong contacts.

“I’m relishing this new role at Freedom Leisure which is a great fit for me personally and professionally,” said Rowe.

“The business has clearly had recent success gaining new contracts in Wales and the West Country. I’m pleased to be joining the company at this exciting time as the contracts get underway, upgrades are being made and the leisure provision is being improved for local communities.”