Leadership

Our experienced leadership team take a hands-on approach to lead Aligned Leisure. They are professionals in their respective fields and bring an unmatched level of skill and leadership to support our service delivery teams to connect with communities, allowing them to thrive.

BEN TUDHOPE

Chief Executive Officer

Ben is a highly credentialed leader with over 17 years in the health and fitness industry, working across commercial, not-for-profit, university and local government sectors. Ben holds a Master of Business Administration (Executive), and has been a Non-Executive Director of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria since 2016.

JACQUI O'DWYER

General Manager - Partnerships

Jacqui is a highly experienced and capable industry leader. As General Manager – Partnerships, Jacqui’s focus is to identify and develop strategic partnerships in the provision of programs, services and facilities under management.

SIMON BRYSON

GENERAL MANAGER – OPERATIONS

As General Manager of Operations, Simon oversees the company’s operations and leads the development of operational systems and plans.

John Clark

Group Operations Manager

As Group Operations Manager, John leads a portfolio of Aligned Leisure partnerships and supports in the delivery of Aligned Leisure’s strategic plan. Highly credentialed in leading diverse teams and operations, John balances strategy and operations to deliver innovative solutions to challenge industry norms. 

MAURICE EAMES

ALBURY WODONGA LEISURE MANAGER

Maurice has been involved in aquatic and leisure management for the past thirty-five (35) years, covering all aspects of centre management. He has worked within and managed a wide variety of aquatic recreation facilities across Victoria and NSW.

KELLIE HAGE

EUROBODALLA ARTS AND LEISURE MANAGER

Kellie has over seven years of experience in the aquatics and recreation industry. She began her career as a swimming instructor and lifeguard, demonstrating her dedication and passion for community health and safety.

DEAN JAMIESON

CASEY LEISURE AREA MANAGER

Dean has over 18 years of experience in the Sport and Leisure industry, with a strong background in developing collaborative relationships with schools, associations, sporting clubs, and community groups to deliver positive outcomes for contract partners. 

LLOYD KLAMAN

BUSINESS & PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Lloyd has 30 years of experience in senior management positions across varied categories in the leisure industry. Lloyd held a senior position at Ardent Leisure, leading their AMF Bowling division in the southern region.

PAIGE KRISTALYN

CARDINIA LEISURE MANAGER

Using her natural leadership style, dedication to her team and relentless approach to continuous improvement, Paige has driven significant outcomes in community health since contract commencement.

ALEX LAMBORN

PEOPLE & CULTURE MANAGER

Alex is a HR professional with a Bachelors in Commerce with a focus on HR Management which he has utilised to manage small and large teams across the blue and white collar environments.

SHANNON MOUNSEY

MANNINGHAM LEISURE MANAGER

With over 20 years of extensive experience Shannon Mounsey is an accomplished people leader with a deep commitment to fostering connections and empowering communities to achieve health and well-being outcomes.  

MELANIE

BASS COAST LEISURE MANAGER

Melanie is a passionate, values-driven operations leader committed to delivering inclusive health and wellbeing outcomes. She oversees operations at the Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre and Phillip Island Leisure Centre, with a strong focus on community engagement and creating safe, vibrant spaces for all.

ASHLEIGH ROBERTSON

FINANCE MANAGER

Ashleigh is a Chartered Accountant with over 12 years’ experience in a variety of accounting and tax roles. She comes from a background in tax and financial reporting for the public sector.

LIAM O’BRIEN

REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Liam O’Brien has over 17 years industry experience in the commercial and not for profit fitness and leisure industries. Prior to commencing with Aligned Leisure.

CAITLIN SIMMONS

MILDURA LEISURE MANAGER

Caitlin is a highly enthusiastic community focused leader, with a passion for enhancing the services, programs and opportunities provided to regional and remote communities in the areas of recreation and leisure.

KATHRYN WILLIAMS

NILUMBIK LEISURE MANAGER

Kathryn has been working across the Nillumbik Leisure Facilities for more than 25 years. She joined Aligned Leisure when it commenced management of the Eltham Leisure Centre in July 2017.

BEN TUDHOPE

GENERAL MANAGER – PARTNERSHIPS

Ben is a highly credentialed leader with over 17 years in the health and fitness industry, working across commercial, not-for-profit, university and local government sectors. Ben holds a Master of Business Administration (Executive), and has been a Non-Executive Director of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria since 2016.

As Chief Executive Officer, Ben is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational management of our facilities across various municipalities. His role focuses on enhancing community well-being through leisure and sport facilities, driving both social and business outcomes in collaboration with our partners.

Before being appointed as CEO, Ben was Aligned Leisure’s inaugural General Manager – Partnerships, responsible for identifying and developing strategic partnerships. He also led our process improvement, facilitating our Quality, Safety and Environmental management systems certification and the creation of Aligned Leisure’s impact measurement analysis tools.

JACQUI O'DWYER

General Manager - Partnerships

Jacqui is a highly experienced and capable industry leader. As General Manager – Partnerships, Jacqui’s focus is to identify and develop strategic partnerships in the provision of programs, services and facilities under management. Jacqui also leads Aligned Leisure’s certifications in quality, safety and environment and coordinates our impact measurement analysis in support of our current partners.

Prior to Jacqui’s current role, she held positions as Aligned Leisure’s Strategic Projects Manager and Caulfield Leisure Manager. As Strategic Projects Manager, Jacqui was tasked with implementing Aligned Leisure’s strategic plan deliverables whilst managing Aligned Leisure’s risk and compliance, management systems certifications and supporting our teams in evaluating local community outcomes.

SIMON BRYSON

GENERAL MANAGER – OPERATIONS

As General Manager of Operations, Simon oversees the company’s operations and leads the development of operational systems and plans.

Simon has more than 18 years of leisure management experience with a demonstrated talent for successfully navigating the complexities of transitioning new contracts whilst improving operational and business performance, most recently Simon lead and managed the successful opening of the $70m Bay Pavilions Leisure and Arts Precinct in Batemans Bay.

Simon is a highly committed and energetic professional, who is passionate about shaping the future of the leisure industry. Known for his ability to build high performance teams and drive team culture, Simon’s visible leadership and hands-on approach has consistently seen the delivery of superior team and business results throughout his career.

JOHN CLARK

Group Operations Manager

John’s industry experience is extensive, having worked across various management groups, local government and was former CEO of the City of Greater Dandenong’s Local Government Business Enterprise, South East Leisure, spearheading their strategy, operations, redevelopments and planning for the build of the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre.

As Group Operations Manager, John leads a portfolio of Aligned Leisure partnerships and supports in the delivery of Aligned Leisure’s strategic plan. Highly credentialed in leading diverse teams and operations, John balances strategy and operations to deliver innovative solutions to challenge industry norms.

John holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

MAURICE EAMES

ALBURY WODONGA LEISURE MANAGER

Maurice has been involved in aquatic and leisure management for the past thirty-five (35) years, covering all aspects of centre management. He has worked within and managed a wide variety of aquatic recreation facilities across Victoria and NSW.

His professional objective is to challenge himself with opportunities that allow him to contribute knowledge, skills and experience in a service-oriented field.

Maurice loves to keep fit by walking, lifting weights, riding, swimming, and playing water polo. Maurice strongly believes that you will reap what you sow, both within your personal and professional endeavours, and stays happy and healthy by practising a good work-life balance

KELLIE HAGE

EUROBODALLA ARTS AND LEISURE MANAGER

Kellie has over seven years of experience in the aquatics and recreation industry. She began her career as a swimming instructor and lifeguard, demonstrating her dedication and passion for community health and safety. Her journey with Aligned Leisure commenced when the Bay Pavilions first opened, where she took on the role of Head of Facilities and Safety.

Kellie’s strong people management skills and extensive industry knowledge quickly became apparent, leading to her current position as the Arts & Leisure Manager of the Eurobodalla contract. In this role, she excels in dealing with people and addressing the needs of both staff and patrons in an open and honest manner.

Kellie is committed to nurturing a positive and engaging environment, ensuring that both the team and the community benefit from the services provided. Her professional objective is to continue challenging herself with opportunities that allow her to contribute her knowledge, skills, and experience.

DEAN JAMIESON

CASEY LEISURE AREA MANAGER

Dean has over 18 years of experience in the Sport and Leisure industry, with a strong background in developing collaborative relationships with schools, associations, sporting clubs, and community groups to deliver positive outcomes for contract partners. He is passionate about maximising the utilisation of sporting and community facilities to benefit both stakeholders and the broader community.

Dean now serves as the Casey Leisure Area Manager with Aligned Leisure, where he leads the strategic direction of one of the nation’s largest leisure facilities management contracts, inclusive of seven facilities across the City of Casey. In this role, he works closely with the local council and community partners to ensure high-quality service delivery and increased community engagement across programs such as aquatics, health and fitness, and stadium sports. As a proud local resident of Casey himself, Dean is excited to be working to provide health and wellbeing opportunities in his own community.

LLOYD KLAMAN

BUSINESS & PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Lloyd has 30 years of experience in senior management positions across varied categories in the leisure industry. Lloyd held a senior position at Ardent Leisure, leading their AMF Bowling division in the southern region. This region included 115 venues, spanning five cities, four states and two countries with close to 900 staff with a turnover of $35 million.

Lloyd also held a Procurement Manager position on the New Schools Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project. He was responsible for the multi-million dollar fit out of eight early learning centres and 10 school multipurpose sports venues across Melbourne. Lloyd’s background is diverse, having held a position as Coach and Player Personnel Director with the Canberra Cannons of the National Basketball League.

He currently leads the Club’s procurement practices where he engages partners for the delivery of goods and services across 35 locations.

PAIGE KRISTALYN

CARDINIA LEISURE MANAGER

Paige’s passion for community health is infectious, having completed a Bachelor of Public Health & Health Promotion. Commencing in 2016 as a Customer Experience Officer, Paige was quickly identified as a future leisure leader and now oversees all Cardinia operations. Using her natural leadership style, dedication to her team and relentless approach to continuous improvement, Paige has driven more significant outcomes in community health, stakeholder relationships and considerably improved business growth metrics since contract commencement.

ALEX LAMBORN

PEOPLE & CULTURE MANAGER

Alex is a HR professional with a Bachelors in Commerce with a focus on HR Management which he has utilised to manage small and large teams across the blue and white collar environments.

As the People & Culture Manager, Alex is charged with implementing best practice processes across all our Aligned Leisure sites and to build on strategic projects such as engagement, workforce planning and improving HR systems. Before his current role, Alex has had experience in various industries, including not-for-profit, private health insurance, automotive and retail. Alex has a passion for ensuring all employees have the best experience in their jobs and enjoy what they do, developing the People & Culture team and using analytical tools to drive improvements and reduce unnecessary costs.

SHANNON MOUNSEY

MANNINGHAM LEISURE MANAGER

Shannon Mounsey is an accomplished people leader with a deep commitment to fostering connections and empowering communities to achieve health and well-being outcomes. With over 20 years of extensive experience in various facets of the leisure industry, including aquatics, customer service, fitness programming, operations, and stadiums, Shannon possesses a versatile skill set. Before joining Aligned Leisure, Shannon made significant contributions to organisations such as Brimbank City Council, Western Leisure Services, Peninsula Leisure, and Monash City Council.

Shannon leads the Manningham team across 10 beautiful venues to provide opportunities and access to programming for the local community. Working in close partnership with the Manningham City Council to ensure all offerings support the key Health and Wellbeing outcomes.

MELANIE

BASS COAST LEISURE MANAGER

Melanie is a passionate, values-driven operations leader committed to delivering inclusive health and wellbeing outcomes. She oversees operations at the Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre and Phillip Island Leisure Centre, with a strong focus on community engagement and creating safe, vibrant spaces for all.

With over a decade of experience across the health, wellness, and events sectors, Melanie has held senior leadership roles, including Centre Director at Phillip Island Leisure Centre, where she led teams through growth, program innovation, and service delivery.

She leads with a mindset of progress and care, developing initiatives that improve member experience and uplift team capability. Now leading multi-site operations, Melanie collaborates closely with Bass Coast Shire Council and local stakeholders to shape future programs that support community health outcomes. Her calm, people-focused leadership fosters strong team culture and lasting community connections.

ASHLEIGH ROBERTSON

FINANCE MANAGER

Ashleigh is a Chartered Accountant with over 12 years’ experience in a variety of accounting and tax roles. She comes from a background in tax and financial reporting for the public sector with experience in virtual CFO work for hospitality, retail, and service-based businesses. She has worked at Richmond Football Club for over 5 years, overseeing many aspects of the club’s finance functions and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the sport and leisure industry. Her passion for work comes with combining strong financial management and reporting with not-for-profit and community organisations, having built up financial systems and reporting for charities HoMie and Bachar Houli Foundation. Ashleigh manages the Aligned Leisure finance functions and team to ensure seamless financial operations and educates Aligned staff on improving their financial literacy.

Ashleigh has a Bachelor in Commerce (Accounting) and Arts (Japanese Studies). She finished her Diploma of Chartered Accounting in 2017 and received a merit award in Financial Reporting. In 2023, Ashleigh was selected to participate in the AFL Women in Leadership program. She also teaches reformer Pilates and has run 10 marathons.

LIAM O’BRIEN

REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Liam O’Brien has over 17 years industry experience in the commercial and not for profit fitness and leisure industries. Prior to commencing with Aligned Leisure, Liam was the Customer Experience Manager for YMCA Victoria providing strategic support for over 30 facilities focusing on understanding customers’ needs and driving customer focused businesses. Prior to this Liam managed multiple facilities including Brunswick Baths, YMCA Derrimut and Genesis Fitness Clubs demonstrating his ability to drive different business needs whether it be community impact or striving for commercial returns. Possessing strong leadership qualities and leading teams of over 200 Liam has forged a strong reputation in the greater leisure industry as a highly skilled and experienced operator.

Having studied a Bachelor of Applied Science – Human Movement at the University of Ballarat, Liam has a strong understanding in the practical elements in the health and fitness industry and combined with strong leadership qualities and leading teams of over 200 Liam has forged a strong reputation in the greater leisure industry as a highly skilled and experienced operator.

Liam’s specialty area is Sales, Marketing and Customer Experience and leads this strategic area for Aligned Leisure providing support to all businesses in the Aligned portfolio to ensure a collective approach to understanding consumer needs and driving change. In doing so Aligned Leisure ensures to our partners we are continually attracting customers to experience what we have to offer and building strong customer experience solutions.

Liam leads our partnership with the Nillumbik Shire Council.

CAITLIN SIMMONS

MILDURA LEISURE MANAGER

Caitlin is a highly enthusiastic community focused leader, with a strong passion for enhancing the services, programs and opportunities provided to regional and remote communities in the areas of recreation and leisure.

With extensive experience in community engagement activities gained through roles in the emergency service, local government and leisure sectors, Caitlin’s commitment to helping others has seen her connect with communities right across the State.

A country girl herself, Caitlin has spent the last 9 years establishing herself as a leader in regional and rural pool operations, playing a significant role in shaping the management model now used for the operation of facilities in the Mildura municipality.

More recently, Caitlin has taken on a Senior Leisure Manager role with Aligned Leisure and now oversees the operation of twelve aquatic and leisure facilities across regional Victoria and NSW in the Mildura and Albury Wodonga Regions.

KATHRYN WILLIAMS

NILUMBIK LEISURE MANAGER

Kathryn has been working across the Nillumbik Leisure Facilities for more than 25 years. She joined Aligned Leisure when it commenced management of the Eltham Leisure Centre in July 2017. Prior to joining Aligned Leisure, Kathryn worked across several facilities with YMCA Victoria for 15 years in several positions.

Kathryn leads the Nillumbik team to provide outstanding facilities and community programs across the shire. She works closely with our partners at Nillumbik Shire Council to ensure all offerings are in line with targeted Health and Wellbeing outcomes and financial targets are achieved.

Kathryn’s speciality is in the field of work health and safety, providing support for Aligned Leisure to become accredited in Safety in 2021 and Quality and Environment in 2022. Kathryn is also a member of LSV’s Platinum Pool Standing Committee, contributing to the approach to aquatic safety in our industry.