Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top London based Director operating in the Leisure space. If you think a Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Sam Higginson
Group Marketing Director of Immotion Group plc
Sam has a wealth of experience in brand creation and management, strategic marketing and communications. Sam began his carrier working for global advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi, working primarily on the client Proctor & Gamble, the world’s largest advertiser. In 2009 he joined NetPlayTV plc, an interactive TV gaming company, where he was Head of Brand Development. Strategic media partners included Sky, Freeview, Channel Five, Virgin Media Television and ITV. Having left NetPlayTV plc, Sam founded Digitalbox plc, a new generation of digital media business with an established pedigree in emerging technology, data acquisition and analysis that has been harnessed with the ability to create and curate great content to entertain and engage audiences. In 2015, Digitalbox plc was listed #68 in The Sunday Times HISCOX Tech Track 100. In 2016, Digitalbox plc was listed again at #58, placing it in Britain’s 100 fastest growing tech companies two years in a row. Sam is a Director at M Capital Investment Partners. Formed in 2010, M Capital Investment Partners manages multiple real estate investments across the UK, with a focus on delivering above average returns for investment cash with minimal risk. He also holds the position Group Brand & Marketing Director at Immotion Group plc – a business that combines award-winning CGi animation with state-of-the-art motion platform technology to deliver mind-blowing ‘out-of-home’ immersive VR experiences. Sam is a graduate of the Lancaster University Management School having gained a BSc Honours in Business & Economics.
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About Digitalbox, Immotion Group plc, M Capital Investment Partners: Immotion combine award-winning content & multi-directional motion platforms to deliver immersive VR solutions for high-traffic destinations.
David Marks
Co-founder & Group Finance Director of Immotion Group plc
David co-founded Immotion Group with Martin, and currently serves as the Group Finance Director. With a degree in Law from the University of Glasgow and membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, David’s expertise in finance is a given. He began his career conducting corporate recovery and restructure at Arthur Andersen. Since then, David has been a prominent face in corporate finance in the City of London, working with UBS, Deutsche Bank and Nikko Principal Investments. He’s overseen the rapid international expansion of Monstermob Group in Europe, the USA and Asia as Group Finance Director, and is also an executive board member at Digitalbox Group.
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About : Immotion combine award-winning content & multi-directional motion platforms to deliver immersive VR solutions for high-traffic destinations.
Ben Bourne
Managing Director of Bourne Capital
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About Bourne Capital, P10 Finance: Bourne Capital is a leading international active property management and leisure operations group.
Les Hardie
Commercial Property Director of Bourne Capital
Following a career of over 25 years in the construction industry, Les joined Bourne Capital in 1993 as Construction Manager, initially in charge of on site activities on the Queensway Estate. He has since risen to become the group’s Commercial Property Director, responsible for new development projects, leases, environmental efforts, and health and safety. His wealth of practical experience is crucial to the smooth running of our development and letting operations.
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About Bourne Capital: Bourne Capital is a leading international active property management and leisure operations group.
Tadhg Flanagan
Group Managing Director of Bourne Capital
Following a career in operations and customer services in the airline industry and previously with MWB, Tadhg joined Bourne Capital as General Manager in 2005 before being appointed Group Managing Director in 2007. His flair for developing new ventures, as well as running the serviced office businesses at MWB, has been instrumental in the successful letting and launching of Capital Tower and the development of sales, marketing and operational strategies for all commercial aspects of the Group. Tadhg has also established strong financial controls and disciplines within the group and has defined and grown the property and leisure arms of the business. Recognising that any organisation is only as strong as the people it employs, Tadhg retains an on-going commitment to developing and growing both management and operational teams for the group. Tadhg is focused on Bourne Capital’s owner operated strategy of growing brands within the existing estates, and the acquisition of complementary businesses to create new ventures and grow the business.
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About Bourne Capital: Bourne Capital is a leading international active property management and leisure operations group.
Toby Horry
Brand and Content Director of TUI Group
Toby Horry is the brand and content director at TUI.
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About TUI Group: TUI Group is an international tourism and hospitality organization that offers a range of tour, flights, cruises, and more.
David Paice
Digital Director of Merlin Entertainments
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About Merlin Entertainments: Merlin Entertainments is the largest European entertainments company operating in Europe.
Helen Bowey
Retail Director of Rhubarb
Helen has over 20 years’ experience in the food and beverage industry. Since joining rhubarb in 1998, she has overseen a number of different departments, accumulating a wealth of experience in all fields including Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Health and Safety, Purchasing and IT. Helen was appointed as a board member in 2003 and was instrumental in the development of Sky Garden, Pilots at Terminal 5 and the recently announced Centre Point project. In her role as Chief Development Officer Helen is responsible for growth within the current portfolio of locations, and new acquisitions both in the UK and Internationally.
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About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a food company that creates and delivers culinary services.
Katie Harel
Director of Marketing of Rhubarb
Katie Harel has over 15 years experience in marketing in luxury hotels, food and beverage in London including The Dorchester and The Lanesborough. Prior to rhubarb Katie was based in Hong Kong where she held senior marketing positions at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Langham, before working as director at Mango PR’s first Hong Kong office. Katie joined the rhubarb team in 2014 and quickly implemented a group marketing plan and brand strategy to ensure the rhubarb name is front of mind across the group. In her first year Katie opened the hugely successful Sky Garden, garnering impressive press coverage across national and international titles and quickly building an impressive database. Katie’s team includes the Creative Department who are responsible for ensuring that every rhubarb event and partnership is expertly thought out and creatively considered. Katie works closely with the Director team ensuring the marketing plan equally supports events and locations and that rhubarb maintains its position as a pioneer of the food and events industry.
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About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a food company that creates and delivers culinary services.
Anna Lowe
Director of Partnerships & Co-Founder of SMARTIFY
Anna is CoFounder and Director of Partnerships at Smartify a global platform for art described by the New Scientist as “the Shazam and Spotify of art”. A firm believer that culture needs stewardship not disruption, Anna works closely with museums to embrace new technologies that support their growth and resilience. Anna is a Trustee of Tate, the youngest ever trustee of a national museum. Anna also sits on the UK5G Creative Industries working group and is an Industry Champion for the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC).
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About SMARTIFY, Tate: SMARTIFY provides instant access to inspiring art commentary, straight to your smartphone.
Estelle Giraudeau
Managing Director of Club Med
As Managing Director for Club Med UK & Scandinavia, She is in charge with P&L (weighing 30% of New Markets Europe Africa Business Unit), with a strong e-Commerce expertise. She is responsible for the launch of the UK Sales and Marketing strategy and She is currently generating significant growth in both sales and revenue. She currently manage a team of 50 people in London office.
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About Club Med: Club Med sells vacations and related services, operates villages and cruises, and provides tours and discovery programs.
Daniel Spinath
Founder & Managing Director of Crepeaffaire
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About Crepeaffaire, Entertainment Ventures Group International, Frizzenti, Liberation Cocktails, Tap: Crêpeaffaire offers freshly prepared crêpes, waffles, coffees and smoothies.
David Mills
VP / Global Supply Director of Iglu Cruise
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About Iglu Cruise, Iglu Cruise: Iglu Cruise is an internet-based travel agency specializing in the sale of snowboarding and ski holidays, cruises and Christmas holidays.
Siobhan Thomas
Global Talent Acquisition Director of Intercontinental Hotels Group
Siobhan Thomas has worked with several high-profile companies such as Credit Suisse, Sky, and Taleo optimizing, implementing programs, tools, and capability to attract the right talent. Currently, she is the Global Resourcing Director at IHG overseeing the Global Resourcing Centre of Excellence working with key stakeholders to scope future resourcing needs/priorities and deliver recruitment technologies, policies, processes, and training.
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About Intercontinental Hotels Group: IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies
Jared Jesner
Non Executive Director of WeSwap
After graduating in Theoretical Physics from UCL, Jared gained a strong foundation in banking at JP Morgan and Dresdner Kleinwort, where he traded currency derivatives. Following this, he was selected for a fast track management program with Royal Dutch Shell. In this role, Jared managed teams including both Shell people and external consultants on technology strategy and project delivery across the globe, with a strong focus on payments. Jared runs every night to stay fit and is a Taekwondo black belt. If you visit our office, chances are you’ll find his kids’ artwork decorating a corner of the whiteboard walls.
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About WeSwap: WeSwap is a mobile application that allows users to swap different types of currency with others.
Anthony Withers Green
Director of Global Business of Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services
Anthony’s previous customer-focused career has left him very well prepared for Tristar. He joined us in 1997 where his responsibilities have included heading up reservations and customer services. Anthony was formerly a Senior Sales Executive and Area Manager for Carphone Warehouse plc, and he also worked at Lloyds of London.
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About Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services: Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services is a worldwide chauffeur company operating in over 80 countries.
Dean De Beer
Non Executive Director of Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services
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About Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services: Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services is a worldwide chauffeur company operating in over 80 countries.
Howard Winn-Moon
Director of International Relations of Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services
When Tristar wanted to expand and excel in its global offering, Howard Winn-Moon was invited to join us. Howard has been in the chauffeur service industry for over 40 years, building a business of over 100 vehicles in London, and also gaining considerable knowledge of managing an international network. He came to us with a high-level of tried-and-trusted prior knowledge, joining Tristar in May 2008 to formalize and expand the Tristar worldwide network.
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About Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services: Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services is a worldwide chauffeur company operating in over 80 countries.
Dominic Booth
Managing Director of Abellio
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About Abellio: Abellio delivers rail and bus services to passengers in Scotland, England, and Germany.
Jason Anastasinis
Managing Director of TravelStaytion
Jason Anastasinis is a Managing Director at TravelStaytion.
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About TravelStaytion: TravelStaytion is an online holiday rental marketplace, enables its users to list their spare property or get accommodation at lower prices.
David Adams
Non-Executive Director & Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of Elegant Hotels Group PLC
David is currently Chairman of Conviviality Retail plc, Ecovision Ltd, Park Cameras Ltd and Walk the Walk (a breast cancer charity). He is also the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at Hornby plc, a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Fevertree Drinks plc and Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee at Elegant Hotels Group plc. David was Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive of House of Fraser plc until 2006, then Executive Chairman of Jessops plc, becoming Non-Executive Chairman in 2009. In addition, he has held several Executive and Non-Executive roles in 30 years in retailing, including ten years as a plc Finance Director. He brings extensive and relevant experience in financial and general management roles, including ten years as plc Finance Director, and has held 4 other plc Audit Chair roles over the last 5 years.
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About : Elegant Hotels offers a unique collection of five luxury hotels beautifully situated along stunning beaches.
Catherine Sermon
Employability Director of Business in the Community
Catherine joined Business in the Community in 1998, after completing a Master of Arts in Marketing. She has held various posts including campaigning, research and development, and advisory services work predominantly across community and workplace teams. This has included establishing the Business Action on Health campaign in 2005 and leading the strategic direction of all community campaigns from 2008 to 2012. Two maternity leaves later, Catherine is Employment Director, leading BITC’s work to increase access to quality & sustainable work for people facing disadvantage, including the flagship Ready for Work programme. She is also a trustee of the Batten Disease Family Association.
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About Business in the Community, Business in the Community: Business in the Community is a business-led, issue-focused charity with more than 30 years’ experience of mobilising business.
John O’Sullivan
Managing Director of Depot Adventures
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About Depot Adventures: Depot Adventures is a walking tour operator that offers a variety of free and paid walking tours.
Barnaby Oswald
Managing Director of Local Data Company
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About : Local Data Company is the UK’s most accurate retail and leisure location data business.
Cat Dawson
Sales Director of Local Data Company
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About : Local Data Company is the UK’s most accurate retail and leisure location data business.
