Eden Scott's Executive Search team is proud to have been chosen to support Edinburgh Leisure in recruiting their next Chief Executive Officer.

Sarah Gracie and her team have now started the process, which will include an extensive market mapping exercise, a digital marketing campaign, shortlisting, and support with the interview process. 

Our Executive Search team has a strong network of senior leaders from a range of markets, and they look forward to discussing the role with a host of leading candidates. 

Below is the press release accompanying the existing CEO, June Peebles' retirement. 

If you'd like to learn more about the role or the organisation, get in touch with Sarah Gracie or follow this link.

Press Release - 17 August 2023

Leading Edinburgh physical activity charity seeks new Chief Executive

Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, has begun the search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following the announcement of the retirement of their current CEO, June Peebles (who was part of the original team that helped establish Edinburgh Leisure in 1998).

June led the organisation through the unprecedented period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the various lockdowns and venue closures, leading with unflappability and transparency. Although venues were closed, some projects were fast-tracked including staffing reviews, and building projects continued where possible, including retiling the Royal Commonwealth diving pool, upgrading the front façade at Portobello Swim Centre and the refurbishment of Warrender Swim Centre (one of Edinburgh Leisure’s much-loved, five Victorian pools).  

June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s current CEO said:

"I reached the conclusion that, for me, there is no ‘right’ time to leave Edinburgh Leisure.

I love my work, irrespective of how challenging or less challenging things are, and hardly a day goes by when I don’t experience a proud moment, whether that’s because of the performance of a colleague or from seeing and/ or hearing about the impact of our work on people’s lives. I feel very fortunate to work in an industry and for an organisation I feel passionate about. But there comes a time…and after 38 years, now feels like the right time to retire. 

I leave whoever picks up the baton with an organisation that is mature and certain of its purpose, the value it brings to the city of Edinburgh and, importantly, with the ambition to do more.  This is a great opportunity for someone to put their own stamp on how Edinburgh Leisure continues to thrive."

June continues:

"A charity with one clear purpose - To make a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active and achieve more, the new CEO will be required to ensure that Edinburgh Leisure continues to deliver on its purpose in a sustainable way, leading an experienced, enthusiastic and committed team - all of whom are focused on making a positive difference through physical activity, working effectively with our  many partners (especially the elected members and officials at the City of Edinburgh Council), and providing all our customers with a great experience." 

Eden Scott is handling the recruitment, and interested applicants should contact Sarah Gracie, Associate Director, on 07999 421 314

-Ends-

For further information please contact: Kerry Teakle, Edinburgh Leisure PR Officer. Tel: 07801 103528 / kerryteakle@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

About June Peebles

Timeline of career history

• 8th July 1985 – June Peebles started as an Assistant Manager (Outreach) based at the Jack Kane Centre in the City of Edinburgh Council’s Department of Recreation & Leisure.  
• 13th February 1989 - June was promoted to Manager of Craiglockhart and Saughton Recreation Centres
• In 1989, June was supported to do her MBA, which was sponsored by the City of Edinburgh Council based on her demonstrated talent. She commenced this on 5th October 1989
• 26th August 1991 - June was promoted to the post of Leisure Manager (in the City of Edinburgh Council’s Sport & Leisure Direct Services Organisation )
• September 1997 - June was seconded as a Head of Operations to assist the setup of Edinburgh Leisure.
• 1st April 1998 - Edinburgh Leisure was created, and June was TUPE over into the role of Director of Operations. (Edinburgh Leisure turned 25 years on 1.4.2023)
• May 2001 - June was appointed to the post of Director of Business Development. 
• April 2006 – June’s role expanded to include managing the Head of Property & Estates and their team (she was instrumental in the creation of Edinburgh Leisure’s long-term refurbishment plans that are in place to enhance the quality of Edinburgh Leisure venues)
• June 2011 - June’s role was reviewed to the Director of Strategic Services 
• 1st December 2014 – The Board of Edinburgh Leisure appointed June as Interim CEO (following the resignation of the then CEO). This was  made a permanent appointment (following an open recruitment and selection process ) in June 2015

About Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure operate over 50 first-class venues across the city and offer hundreds of activities for people to enjoy no matter what their age and stage. 

From the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool, the brand-new purpose-built Meadowbank Sports Centre, their Victorian Swim Centres, Europe’s largest climbing arena, six golf courses, leisure centres and school facilities all based right in the heart of their communities.

They are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to be and stay active. This places them in the unique position to use their venues and expertise to harness the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity. 

Their Active Communities Team have a big role to play, working with partners and focusing on individuals and communities who need that bit more support to be active and enjoy improved well-being. 

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk