Training provider Icon Training has strengthened its senior management team with the addition of two new project leads and the promotion of Gary Denton to the role of director.

Denton joined Icon in 2012 as a regional manager and was then made head of operations before his latest promotion. He brings 15-years’ leisure industry experience to the role, several of which were spent as lead regional trainer with Lifetime Training.

“Part of my role is about developing our products and programmes to help sector employers retain their talent,” said Denton.

“Our sector will only flourish and remain relevant if we understand how to keep people committed to the industry and make it part of their long-term career goal.”

Meanwhile, Alex Bowman and Richard Holmden have joined Icon as project leads. Bowman is a Sports Science and Sports & Exercise graduate, who arrives at Icon following 12-years working in the sector, primarily with Lifetime Training. His new role involves building and managing relationships with key stakeholders as well as leading, coaching and mentoring a team of service leaders and co-ordinators.

Holmden’s 13-year fitness career began as a technical skills tutor in health and fitness, followed by a number of senior training and management roles also with Lifetime Training.

“This is a real coup for us, to attract the calibre of trainers and managers who will now become part of the future of our company,” said Icon Training CEO Julian Leybourne.

“Gary, Alex and Richard all believe passionately, as do I, that this industry is on the cusp of a real shift in the way in which people see health, fitness and leisure services and their relevance for 21st century Britain. I am confident that with our senior team in place, we’ll see some real changes and business growth in the next 5 years, both for us and the sector.”