ActiveXchange leadership appointments look to drive expansion and growth

August 20, 2020

Following an extensive executive recruitment process, fast-growing and award-winning data and technology company ActiveXchange has announced the appointment of James Ellender as its Chief Executive.

Ellender’s appointment will see Alex Burrows, ActiveXchange’s founder, move into the role of Chair and continue to support the growth and impact of the organisation in Australia, New Zealand and internationally.

Since launching in 2018, ActiveXchange has developed and continues to roll out a network of software accounts (the SportsEye platform) enabling the sector to fully realise the value generated from data and information sharing, establishing Australia and New Zealand’s first and only coordinated community sport investment and delivery eco-system.

Speaking of the appointment Burrows advised “I’m thrilled to have someone of James’ calibre take carriage of our team, clients and community at ActiveXchange.”

Ellender is well known to the sector with more than 20 years’ experience, including 10 years in executive roles working for multiple large leisure operators (including the YMCA and Belgravia Leisure), coupled with time in education, health, sport, disability and not-for-profits all while partnering with local, state and federal government agencies.

Burrows added “with James’ solid experience, he was the ideal appointment and I’m looking forward to continuing to build ActiveXchange well into the future and achieving our goal of positively influencing the active lives of 10 million people through our partners”.

Commencing in his new role this month, Ellender will drive ActiveXchange’s momentum amid COVID-19, mindful that evidence-based decision making to increase efficiency will be a focus, with ActiveXchange having the data and technology platform to truly enable sport, government, operators and our strategic consultant partners to make the right decisions, at the right time.

Welcoming his new role, Ellender noted “It’s an exciting time to be joining ActiveXchange amidst such an unprecedented time in our lives.

“I am looking forward to connecting with our sector to not only build a more informed and active community, but also to be part of something truly unique that is focused on leaving a legacy of change in how our sector is understood, valued and funded.

“Such focus will lead to new investment, operating and delivery models creating greater and earlier activity, intervention and health outcomes for everyone.”

Earlier this year, ActiveXchange also appointed Simon Haire to the role of Director of Sport and Government and as part of its executive team.

With more than 20 years experience in the sport and recreation industry, which includes roles in state and local government and project consultancy with government and state sporting organisations, Haire has been involved with ActiveXchange as an associate since its formation, helping shape the successful SportsEye initiative.

James Ellender can be contacted on 0466 552 256, email: james@activechange.org

Click here to contact ActiveXchange via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Images: James Ellender (top) and Alex Burrows (below).

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