Burhill Group Ltd, one of the UK’s leading golf and leisure operators, is looking to challenge convention and bring fresh thinking to golf as Group Chief Operating Officer Stephen Brown expands his focus across the business.
Previously Chief Operating Officer of BGL’s Adventure Leisure and Ninja Leisure divisions, Brown has spent the past few months immersing himself in BGL’s golf operations and working with teams across its venues as he takes on his Group COO role.
With more than 35 years’ experience across leisure, health, fitness and sport, he brings a fresh perspective on how golf can respond to changing customer expectations, reach broader audiences and create more ways for people to engage with the game.
Before joining BGL, Brown held senior positions including Operations Director and Business Support Director at David Lloyd Clubs, playing an important role in the development of one of Europe’s leading health and wellness operators. Since joining BGL, he has led its Adventure Leisure and Ninja Leisure businesses, whose brands include Mulligans, BUNKERS, Total Ninja and Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Parks.
In his expanded role, Brown will support BGL’s people, operational performance and long-term growth, while helping to connect expertise across its golf and leisure divisions.
Stephen Brown said: “Golf has enormous enduring appeal, but the industry cannot stand still. Expectations are changing and we should be prepared to challenge convention around how people play, practise, socialise and engage with the game.
“BGL has considerable talent and experience across golf and leisure. By bringing those people and perspectives together, we can share ideas, challenge established thinking and find new ways to make the game more engaging and accessible.
“That does not mean changing what makes golf special. It means learning from other sectors and being prepared to do things differently where it improves the experience.”
BGL has invested significantly across its golf venues in recent years, including technology-led driving ranges, improved practice facilities and additional experiences aimed at golfers and non-golfers alike.
Brown will work alongside BGL’s established divisional leaders, with a focus on people, operational performance and sustainable growth across the group.
Simon Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of BGL, said: “Stephen is a progressive, people-led and commercially astute operator who has made a considerable contribution to BGL. His experience of building strong teams and operating complex multi-site businesses brings a valuable perspective to our golf operations. Working with the talent already within BGL Golf, he will help us challenge our thinking and identify new opportunities for growth.”
Brown concluded: “There is a real opportunity for golf and leisure to learn from one another. BGL has the people and expertise to bring those strengths together, test new ideas and play our part in keeping golf relevant and thriving for generations to come.”