Freedom Leisure has announced that its Managing Director, Jeff Hart, will retire on 30th September, 2013 after 11 years in the role.

Ivan Horsfall-Turner, currently Freedom Leisure's Business Development Director, has been selected by the Board as his successor.

Jeff Hart has led Freedom Leisure since its formation in 2002. At that time, the Trust had 250 employees and comprised four sites which it operated in partnership with Wealden District Council. It now has 2,500 employees and comprises 34 sites across 12 council contracts and a turnover of £40m. As a not-for-profit trust, Freedom Leisure has reinvested over £12m in facilities and services during Jeff's time at the helm.

Alan Rutherford, Freedom Leisure Chairman, praised Jeff's "inspirational leadership, industry knowledge, skills, and personal qualities, which had been instrumental in securing the company's recognition as one of the top leisure trusts in the UK," as he announced his retirement.

"I am leaving a fantastic, talented team which has helped give Freedom Leisure a robust financial position and a strong reputation," said Jeff. "I am certain the company will continue to go from strength to strength under Ivan's leadership and I wish him well in his role."

"I feel privileged to be selected by the Board as Jeff's successor and feel confident that the strength and reputation of Freedom Leisure will combine to bring further growth and success in the leisure industry," says Ivan, who has worked alongside Jeff at Freedom Leisure for the past 11 years.

"Under Jeff's leadership Freedom Leisure has established itself as a strong brand with excellent credentials and I am looking forward to leading our team to take it forwards and build on his legacy."

Matt Hunt, will be promoted from his current position as Group Operations Manager to become Operations Director joining the existing Executive Management team that will support Ivan.

The Managing Director appointment comes into effect from 1st July 2013 with a handover period in which Jeff will continue to advise and support Ivan, the Board and the Executive Team, until his official retirement.

Photograph: Ivan Horsfall-Turner (left) has been selected by the board to take over from Jeff Hart (right)