New boss appointed at leading visitor attraction
One of Bristol’s leading visitor attractions has appointed a new chief executive.
The Wave, the UK’s first inland surfing lake, has announced that Hazel Geary is taking over as chief executive.
Hazel is replacing Craig Stoddart who was in charge for nine years and announced his decision to step down last November.
Hazel has international experience in the leisure, retail and hospitality industries.
She returned to the UK in 2019 from over three years in India as the Managing Director of a joint venture between David Lloyd Leisure and Talwalkars.
She was responsible for all company operations, including the construction and launch of a remarkable health and leisure club.
For the past three years, Hazel has been working with small to medium-sizes businesses in the health, leisure, wellness and beauty industries, helping them to scale, launch new concepts and turnaround operational challenges.
A statement said: “Hazel’s passion for sustainability and commitment to protecting our planet align perfectly with our values here at The Wave.
“We’re excited that under her leadership, we will continue to deliver the positive power of water and waves for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.”
Craig delivered the first investible business plan, overseeing the Wavegarden deal, the securing of investment from JAR capital and Sullivan Street Partners, construction of the world-first site in Bristol and refinancing the business.
He said “it has been a real honour to have brought the Wave’s vision to reality. Whilst it has been a hugely challenging task to fund, deliver and operate the world’s first commercially viable surf park using Wavegarden Cove technology, I am immensely proud of what we as a team have achieved.
“We have paved the way for an exciting nascent industry that has a terrific future ahead of it and our sustainable approach, I hope, will be one that is replicated across the industry in years to come. I know The Wave has an exciting and deliverable growth plan and the team are now well structured to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. I am looking forward to taking my experience and working with other businesses and projects to help deliver other equally pioneering outcomes.”
