Duncan Jefford has been announced as the new managing director of Everyone Active.

Current MD, David Bibby, will retire in May after leading the organisation since 2006.

Under Bibby’s leadership, Everyone Active has grown its portfolio of facilities, invested in community health initiatives and championed the role of leisure services in supporting the nation’s physical and mental wellbeing. 

“After many rewarding years in the sector, the time feels right for me to step back and begin a new chapter,” says Bibby. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Everyone Active and the positive impact our teams make in communities every day. It has been a privilege to work with such dedicated colleagues, partners and stakeholders, and I’m confident the business will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

Jefford has been with the organisation since 2007. As Everyone Active’s regional director in the South-East, he has overseen growth in both turnover and profitability.

Jefford paid tribute to Bibby, saying he is honoured to take up the role. “We’ve built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality leisure services that make a real difference to communities across the country,” he explained.

“I’m excited for the years ahead as we continue this strong period of growth and I’m proud to be leading the way alongside our 14,000 colleagues to build on the solid foundations already in place.”

Everyone Active currently manages 250 leisure and cultural facilities on behalf of local authorities and partners across the UK, welcoming millions of visitors each year. It has recently expanded its portfolio of theatres, spas and golf courses.

Everyone Active is the trading name of Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM), whose ultimate owner is Castle View Ventures Ltd, a business headed by Martin Bell.

Castle View also owns catering software house, Inhouse Manager, UIN Foods, which makes pizzas for supermarkets and Everyone Health – formerly Weight Management Centre. It aquired SLM in 2000.