Simon Bentley

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.

Key Experience

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 (Acting) Sports Direct International Plc - FTSE 250 Sports retailer (Sports Direct, Lillywhites and others) and owner of leading sports brands (Slazenger, Dunlop, Everlast, Karrimor, Lonsdale and many others).

Chairman, Maypole Group Plc - AIM listed Hotelier based in Norfolk with hotels in Norfolk, Suffolk and Wiltshire.

Chairman Global Brands - AIM listed franchisee of Domino's Pizza in Switzerland, Luxembourg and Lichtenstein.

Director, Powerleague Group Plc - The UK's leading commercial 5-a-side football venue operator based in Paisley, Scotland.

Chairman, Brasher Leisure - The UK's leading specialist running retailer (Sweatshop).

Chairman, Cash on the Move - Mobile, self-contained, fully independent cash dispensing units (ATMs) provided on cruise ships and at outdoor events across the country.

Career History