Appointed 2016
Alex was educated at Blundell’s School and the University of St. Andrew’s, graduating with a degree in Geography and International Relations in 1983. He then returned to his West Country roots and joined his family’s business, CLS Group – a leading regional supplier of textile rental products and laundry services to the South West’s leisure, tourism and hospitality sector.
Following the sale of the business in 2006, Alex was appointed Non-Executive Director of Jelf Group plc – a prominent business intermediary in the fields of insurance, employee benefits and wealth management. He chaired the Group’s Remuneration and Nominations Committee, and at various times up until the sale of the company in 2015, held key responsibilities for the oversight of Audit, Risk and Compliance.
During this period, Alex served as Vice Chair of the Torbay Development Agency, the body responsible for promoting Torbay as a business location, attracting investment into the area, and providing support for existing Torbay businesses to aid their growth and development. He chaired the TDA’s Finance and Governance Committee. From 2012-2015, he served on the board of the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay, latterly as Chair. He remains active in the local business community; and pursues interests across a range of commercial activities.
Alex takes a keen and active interest in local sport; and is a former Chair and Captain of Torquay Golf Club and former Chair and President of Torquay Cricket Club. Also, he was Chair of the consortium that took a controlling interest in Torquay United FC in 2007 and which returned the Club to the Football League in 2009. He remains a season ticket holder. Alex is a member of the Lord’s Taverners; and a Freeman of the City of London.
Alex hopes and believes the experience he has gained from working with a diverse range of businesses and organisations, both in Torbay and further afield, will prove invaluable in helping set the long-term goals of the Trust; in devising and implementing its strategic aims; and in protecting and nurturing its wonderful reputation and values.
