Mingara Leisure Group CEO Paul Barnett has announced his retirement after nearly three decades with the organisation, and will officially finish up at the end of January 2026.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Mingara Leisure Group team, we thank Paul for his outstanding contribution to leadership, the organisation and the community both as operations manager from 1998 and as our chief executive officer from December 2002,” Mingara Leisure Group chairman Phil Walker said.
During his tenure, as the group’s longest service CEO, Barnett led Mingara through extensive growth taking what was one registered club with a team of 160 to five clubs with over 450 staff.
“Our net asset has grown from $45 million to an excess of $135 million … but all good things come to an end,” Barnett said.
But Barnett’s retirement has been a long time coming, admitting that he’s been working with the board for the “last couple of years” on a succession plan and a timeline for retirement.
As part of the succession plan, the group announced chief operating office Grant Gladman will succeed Barnett when he leaves, and will commence his new role on 1 February, 2026. Gladman has been serving as the group’s COO over 22 years.
“Grant is a proven business leader who is passionate about leadership, culture and customer experience,” Walker said.
“As a member of the executive team, Grant has a deep understanding of our organisation and has been intrinsically involved in the growth and success of Mingara Leisure Group. We know Grant will continue to deliver our vision with purpose and a commitment to future success.”
Barnett said he will work closely with Gladman and the team over the next 10 months to ensure a smooth transition, and “make sure we continue to make lives great for our communities”.
Other changes will also include Daniel Pinkstone, general manager of the Mingara Recreation Club, move into the COO role, while Sarah Ferman, the group’s operations manager, will assume the role as general manager of Mingara Recreation Club.
“Our organisation has always prided itself on growing and developing our team and the announcements of these successions demonstrate the commitment of our organisation to our team,” Barnett said.