Expertise
Simon Bentley qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1980 having trained at BDO Stoy Hayward. On qualification, he spent approximately 10 years at Landau Morley - rising from the position of qualified Audit Senior to Senior Partner. During his time, he developed experience in corporate finance work as well as audit and tax advice (including flotations, corporate purchases and sales on behalf of clients).
This work led him to a number of appointments including his position at Blacks Leisure Group plc where he was Chairman and Chief Executive for over 12 years. He joined the Board of Blacks Leisure Group plc in 1987 as Corporate Development Director and became Chief Executive in 1989 - combining the roles of Chairman & Chief Executive in 1990. The Group had over 500 stores including First Sport, Millets, Blacks, Free Spirit, AV and Pure Woman. It was also involved in manufacture and distribution for a variety of brands in footwear, clothing and accessories and is still the UK distributor of the O'Neill brand.
Key Experience and Clients
- Since his departure from Blacks Leisure Group plc, Simon has taken on executive and non-executive directorships in a number of different companies and organisations including:
- Chairman, Umberto Giannini - Well known and highly publicised hair brand. Wholesale and retail from owned and franchised salons including a flagship salon in Selfridges, Birmingham.
- Chairman, Maypole Group Plc - AIM listed Hotelier based in Oxfordshire with hotels in Banbury and Norfolk.
- Chairman, Espro Acoustiguide Group - Ofex listed company based in Israel that creates and develops audio guidance systems and facilities that are used in the cultural, tourist and other visitor-oriented sectors worldwide.
- Chairman, First Sports Group Plc - Sports retailer operating from approximately 80 sites. Principally based in Esporta, David Lloyd and Holmes Place leisure clubs.
- Director, Powerleague Group Plc - The UK's leading commercial 5-a-side football venue operator based in Paisley, Scotland.
- Chairman, Dominion ATM Banking Systems - Mobile, self-contained, fully independent cash dispensing units (ATMs) provided on cruise ships and at outdoor events across the country.
- Chairman, USA PRO - Aspirational women's sports & active lifestyle clothing brand.
Professional Memberships
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Simon is also involved with a number of organisations in a voluntary capacity:
- Deputy Chairman and Trustee of The Leadership Trust (the country's premier leadership development establishment based in Ross on Wye).
- Trustee of Saving Faces (The Facial Surgery Research Foundation).
- Trustee of Kisharon (charitable organisation involved in the care and education of people with moderate to serious learning difficulties).
- Chairman of British Friends of the Jerusalem College of Technology (UK charitable organisation supporting a leading Jerusalem-based institution in education, research and development in the fields of technology).
Career History
- 2002 Deputy Chairman, Mishcon de Reya
- 1990 Chairman and Chief Executive, Blacks Leisure Group plc
- 1989 Chief Executive, Blacks Leisure Group plc
- 1987 Corporate Development Director, Blacks Leisure Group plc
- 1980 Audit Senior/Senior Partner, Landau Morley
- 1980 Qualified, BDO Stoy Hayward (Chartered Accountant)
Personal Information
Simon is married with 4 children and 1 grandchild. His interests include fitness training (triathlons), skiing and art.
|
|