Lori Hoinkes appointed as Chair of the Board of Trafford Leisure

Trafford Leisure CIC has announced the appointment of Lori Hoinkes as Chair of its Board and non-executive director following the departure of Andy Worthington OBE, who stepped down in 2024 after nine years of exceptional service, and was succeeded by Eamonn O’Rourke as the acting Chair.

 

Hoinkes is the CEO of Manchester Central, one of the UK’s top event venues. Her vision for the venue extends beyond traditional event management to focus on generating economic, social and environmental impact for Manchester.

 

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Hoinkes, who lives in Trafford, has a long, impressive career spanning two distinct but complementary areas. The first focused on manufacturing and engineering, overseeing major facilities projects, builds and retrofits. The second has centred on live events and community engagement, working as an event organiser before joining the venue side of the industry.

 

“I see huge synergy between my role at Manchester Central and my commitment to Trafford Leisure,” said Hoinkes. “Both are about bringing people together and ensuring facilities truly benefit the local communities in Manchester. There’s no benefit to having amazing facilities if people don’t feel they are for them or don’t know how to access the opportunities available.”

 

As the new Chair, Hoinkes is particularly focused on addressing health inequalities and creating inclusive leisure spaces. Hoinkes said: “I’m committed to delivering leisure services that sit at that intersection of fixing health inequalities while creating incredibly inclusive social hubs. Access to leisure builds stronger, more connected communities with better economic, social and physical outcomes for everyone.”

 

Jo Cherrett, CEO, Trafford Leisure said: “We are incredibly grateful to Eamonn O’Rourke for his dedicated service as a non-executive director and for extending his tenure last year to take the interim chair position, helping us to recruit our new chair. His continued commitment through this transition is greatly appreciated.

 

“The recruitment process was carried out in conjunction with Trafford Council and competition for the role of Chair was exceptionally tough, with many high-calibre candidates applying. Lori has been successful because she brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, boardroom experience and cross-sector expertise. With more than 25 years of executive leadership across the UK, Canada and the US, Lori has led high-performing organisations through transformation, culture change and commercial growth in complex environments. We look forward to her bringing this expertise to Trafford Leisure at this pivotal point in our evolution.”

 

Hoinkes said: “I’m incredibly excited to join the Trafford Leisure and Trafford Council team at such a dynamic time. With the new centres, move in Altrincham and Urmston, open and bringing fresh energy, alongside our established facilities that have future refurbishments on the horizon, we have an opportunity to redefine what community leisure looks and feels like. My goal is to ensure we’re meeting the needs of all our communities, while creating pathways to better health and stronger connections across Trafford.”

 

Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture & Heritage, said: “We are extremely thankful to Andy Worthington OBE for his incredible hard work and commitment to Trafford Leisure. But we would like to say a big welcome to Lori Hoinkes and wish her all the best in her new role.

 

“These are very exciting times for community leisure in Trafford and I am confident this sector will continue to go from strength to strength with the support of Trafford Council and Trafford Leisure. The Council remains committed to health and wellbeing and providing culture, sport and heritage for everyone.”