17 Jan 2011 07:00
Westside Acquisitions plc / Ticker: WST.L / Index: AIM / Sector: Investment
Westside Acquisitions plc ('Westside')
Appointments to Pantheon Leisure Management Team
Westside Acquisitions plc, the AIM listed investment vehicle, is pleased to announce that further to completion of a Tender Offer through which Westside gained an 85 per cent. stake in Pantheon Leisure ('Pantheon'), Westside has restructured the management team of Pantheon's wholly owned division, Elms Sport in Schools Ltd ('ESS') in order to strengthen and diversify the leadership team as the Company continues to expand its operations. Three long term ESS employees have been identified as having the necessary attributes and skill set to further expand ESS' sports programmes and relationships; James Vaughan will take the role of joint Managing Director ('MD') alongside existing MD Barbara Moss, and Angela Wilcox and Jason O'Connor have been appointed to the ESS Board as Head of Operations and Head of Coaching respectively.
Mr. Vaughan, aged 32, has worked with the Company since 2004, during which time he has managed a wide range of sports programmes aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for children. Throughout his career, James has built up a strong network of contacts in the business and sports arena which has enabled him to successfully drive initiatives such as ESS holiday camps, and the Tennis Centre of Excellence, a programme that coaches 38 performance players to compete at county level. Importantly, Mr. Vaughan has also been involved in corporate development, identifying high performing coaches and ensuring that they are put forward for the new senior roles created as ESS expands.
Jason O'Connor, aged 25, has been involved in coaching throughout his career and has gained a comprehensive understanding of ESS' programmes. In his new role as Head of Coaching, Jason will be responsible for overall recruitment, coaches' training schedules, coaching rotas, assessments and award schemes. Having worked with ESS for 16 years, Angela Wilcox, aged 35, has played a vital role in the running and operating of ESS. As Head of Operations, Angela will be responsible for all administration at ESS.
Westside Chairman Richard Owen said, "We are delighted to have James, Jason and Angela on the ESS Management team and their contribution will be highly significant as we continue to increase the number of participants enrolled in our sports in schools programmes and build value for Westside shareholders. Over recent years all three have been integral in raising the ESS profile as a leading company of its kind in London and the Home Counties with more than 10,000 children per week participating every week and we look forward to gaining from their experience at management level."
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For further information please visit www.westsideacquisitions.com or contact:
Geoffrey Simmonds | Westside Acquisitions Plc | Tel: 020 7935 0823 |
Mark Percy | Seymour Pierce Limited | Tel: 020 7107 8000 |
Catherine Leftley | Seymour Pierce Limited | Tel: 020 7107 8000 |
Elisabeth Cowell | St Brides Media & Finance Ltd | Tel: 020 7236 1177 |