Alasdair Brown

Chief Executive

I have been involved in the leisure sector for the past 18 years, working with a range of local authorities, as well as a period of time with Sport England.

My work in the leisure sector has been very varied and includes previous responsibility for sports development, community centres, arts development, major events and even trying to develop tourism in industrial Nottinghamshire which was quite a challenge!

Prior to working with KAL I worked for Leeds City Council for over 6 years, which provided me with a wide range of experience of working within a major city and the particular challenges faced there.

In July 2008 I was appointed to the position of Chief Executive with Kirklees Active Leisure.

I thoroughly enjoy my current role and working with the other KAL staff and our partners to improve sport and leisure opportunities and provision for the people of Kirklees.

Ruth Pawson

Head of Development

My career in leisure started as a leisure attendant for Stakis Hotel in Aviemore, Scotland, 20 years ago.

I gradually moved further south and worked for various local authorities including Stockton on Tees, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, before joining Kirklees in 1996. Although I have had a couple of years travelling the world, in between all the jobs!

In KAL I have worked my way up through the organisation in various operations posts. In 2004, I had an excellent secondment opportunity, working with Kirklees Council on schools sports facility developments. This broadened my knowledge on partnership working, facility development and the wider aspects of sports development.

My present role is forever changing, leading the development team, to work in conjunction with operations to drive the business forward.

Mark Dunstan

Head of Operations

My involvement in the sector started as a 14yr old work experience student at Huddersfield Sports Centre!

While going through college and university I qualified and worked as a lifeguard and gained a full time post as a lifeguard on completion of my studies.

Since then I have worked myself up through the organisation from Duty Manager, Operations Manager (including a short flirtation with Rotherham Council), District Manager and Regional Manager before more recently becoming Head of Operations.

Knowing how the business works at all levels of the operation gives me valuable insight into the issues and opportunities that present themselves within our facilities.

Robin Thornton

Head of Corporate Services

As a Chartered Accountant, I worked in financial services (banks, building societies and the leasing industry) for 17 years and more recently in engineering and textile manufacturing prior to joining Kirklees Active Leisure in July 2009.

I have also acted as Finance Director and Treasurer for a local tennis and fitness club on a voluntary basis for 10 years, so I have considerable experience of the leisure industry.

I am responsible for the Finance and Human Resources functions in my role as Head of Corporate Services.

I am a lifelong Kirklees resident, married with two sports-mad children.