Experienced leisure industry executive joins as Non-Executive Director following £3.6 million investment
Soul Padel has appointed Michelle Anderson as a Non-Executive Director following its recent £3.6 million investment round, which valued the business at £30 million and will support its planned expansion from four to ten clubs over the next 12 months.
Anderson brings extensive senior leadership experience across sport, leisure and hospitality, including Powerleague, The Jockey Club, QHotels and Leeds Rhinos. Her career includes serving as Chief Marketing Officer, leading digital transformation projects and working with private equity-backed businesses and organisations navigating significant periods of growth and change.
Having worked with Soul Padel for the past two years, Anderson joins the board as the business looks to combine its club expansion plans with the digital capabilities, customer insight and operational sophistication of a progressive, multi-site leisure operator.
Mark Hewlett, Founder and CEO of Soul Padel, said:
“Michelle knows our business incredibly well and has played an important role in helping us get to where we are today. She brings a wealth of experience from across the leisure industry, but just as importantly, she understands our ambition and what makes Soul Padel different.
“There’s a huge amount of innovation happening in the sport, and we want to be at the forefront of using the best ideas, wherever they come from, to create better experiences for our customers and build a stronger business. Michelle’s experience in digital transformation, data and customer strategy, together with her wider commercial perspective, will be invaluable as we take that forward. I’m delighted she’s joining us on the board.”
Michelle Anderson, Non-Executive Director of Soul Padel, said:
“When I started working with Soul Padel, they had just two courts in Stockport, but were already thinking and making decisions like a much larger multi-site business. I could see from very early on that Soul Padel was well placed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
“There’s a thread running through my career in sport, leisure and hospitality about the importance of shared experiences. Whether it’s a major sporting event or a game of padel with friends, I believe good things happen when people come together. Soul Padel creates opportunities for people to connect and enjoy the sport in their own way, and I greatly admire the business for this.
“What I’ve loved about working with Mark, Tammy and the wider team so far is the energy, ambition and determination we share to make Soul Padel the best it can be. We’re competitive, we challenge ourselves to keep getting better, and we care about doing things the right way. It’s a fantastic business to be part of, and I’m really looking forward to this next chapter together.”
About Soul Padel
Founded by Mark and Tammy Hewlett, Soul Padel is a UK padel operator with a mission to welcome everyone to the court.
The business operates clubs in Stockport, St Helens, Braehead and Loughborough University, with further locations planned across the UK. Its approach combines high-quality facilities, accessible programmes and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to meet, play and connect.
Soul Padel is committed to making padel more accessible, building communities through sport and helping more people experience the physical, mental and social benefits of the game.
Media enquiries
Mark Hewlett
Email: mark@soulpadel.co.uk
Phone: 07961310078
Website: soulpadel.co.uk
