David Stalker (FCIMSPA Chartered)
Windlesham,Surrey
Summary
Visionary and influential leader in the global health, fitness, and leisure sector with an executive career spanning more than three decades. Recognised for driving transformation, commercial growth, and organisational excellence across private, public, and not-for-profit environments. Combines deep sector expertise, board-level experience, and a unique ability to align people, purpose, and performance. A proven CEO, Chair, and strategic advisor with a track record of leading organisations through operational change, investment cycles, international expansion, and brand repositioning. Known for a collaborative, decisive, people-centred leadership style that delivers measurable results while inspiring teams to perform at their highest level. Respected for building high-trust relationships, shaping industry policy, mentoring emerging leaders, and influencing the direction of the active leisure sector nationally and internationally.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work history
CEO
DS Leisure Limited
2024.01 - 2026.06
- Develops and oversees the running of family businesses.
- Responsible for for the founders' management contracts, including both board roles and strategic advisory positions.
CEO EMEA/APAC; Interim Group CEO
Myzone Ltd
2019.01 - 2023.01
- Global leader in wearable technology for the health and fitness sector, serving over 2 million users worldwide. Led regional and global operations, commercial strategy, and organisational development during a period of rapid expansion.
Interim Chief Executive Officer
EuropeActive
2019.07 - 2019.11
- Steered the pan-European trade association representing the health, fitness, and leisure industry across EU nations.
Chief Executive Officer
Oxygen Free Jumping
2015.06 - 2018.12
- Led one of the UK’s pioneering trampoline park chains through growth, operational development, and brand consolidation.
Chief Executive Officer
ukactive
2008.06 - 2015.06
- Directed the UK’s national body for the health, fitness, and leisure sector, driving policy influence, sector growth, and national partnerships.
Interim Chief Executive Officer
CIMSPA
2013.06 - 2014.09
- Led the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity through a period of strategic repositioning.
Managing Director
WWH Corporation Ltd
2002.07 - 2008.06
- Oversaw the growth and commercial performance of an online supplement retail company.
Chief Operating Officer
Silhouette Health and Fitness
2000.11 - 2002.07
- Directed operations for a Swiss-based health and fitness chain, improving efficiency and service delivery.
Managing Director
Relaxion PLC
1994.07 - 2000.11
- Managed the UK’s largest operator of sports centres and facilities, overseeing more than 100 sites.
Club Fitness Manager
First Leisure PLC
1990.01 - 1994.01
- Led operations at a large multi-purpose private fitness club.
General Manager
Manplan Group
1984.01 - 1990.01
- Managed a Kenyan conglomerate with diverse business interests.
Skills
- Executive leadership and mentorship
- Collaborative culture-building and strong professional ethics
- Inclusive, direct management with clarity and consistency
- Firm, fair negotiation and stakeholder alignment
- Governance and chairmanship across complex organisations
- Commercial strategy and results-driven decision-making
- Investment attraction and partnership development
BOARD & GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCE
Current
- Chair UkActive (2025)
- Alliance Leisure: NED (2024)
- Future Practice: Chairman (2025)
Past
- EuropeActive: President (2019-2025)
- Lampton Leisure: NED (2021–2025)
- Marwell Wildlife and Zoo: Chairman (2014–2023)
- Fit for Sport: Chairman (2015–2017)
- CIMSPA: Chairman (2013–2016)
- Bladerunner Ltd: NED (2005–2009)
- Fitness Industry Association: NED (1995–1998)
STRATEGIC ADVISORY POSITIONS
- Active IQ
- The Luxury Wellness Group
- Remaker Ltd
- Leisure Labs
- Soul Padel
- EuropeActive
OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Chartered Fellow, Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Fitness Industry (2015)
- UK Fitness Manager of the Year (1991)
LEADERSHIP LEGACY
Committed mentor, supporting the career progression of seven aspiring C-suite and senior management leaders across the UK sector.
Timeline
CEO
DS Leisure Limited
2024.01 - 2026.06
Interim Chief Executive Officer
EuropeActive
2019.07 - 2019.11
CEO EMEA/APAC; Interim Group CEO
Myzone Ltd
2019.01 - 2023.01
Chief Executive Officer
Oxygen Free Jumping
2015.06 - 2018.12
Interim Chief Executive Officer
CIMSPA
2013.06 - 2014.09
Chief Executive Officer
ukactive
2008.06 - 2015.06
Managing Director
WWH Corporation Ltd
2002.07 - 2008.06
Chief Operating Officer
Silhouette Health and Fitness
2000.11 - 2002.07
Managing Director
Relaxion PLC
1994.07 - 2000.11
Club Fitness Manager
First Leisure PLC
1990.01 - 1994.01
General Manager
Manplan Group
1984.01 - 1990.01