Huw Edwards has announced he is stepping down as CEO of ukactive after six years in the role.
Huw has decided the time is right to begin the next chapter in his career, nearly 10 years after joining the organisation as Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Research.
He will leave in April 2026, with the full support of ukactive Chair David Stalker.
Huw said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as ukactive CEO these past six years.
“The power of this vital UK health and fitness sector is in the collective. The sector pulling together to play a starring role supporting a healthier society matters more than it ever has.
“There are some individuals who have stood out. Thank you to former ukactive Chairs, Tanni [Grey-Thompson] and Mike [Farrar], for their support and counsel.
“Thank you, too, to brilliant colleagues – past and present – who have worked tirelessly to support the growth and development of the health and fitness sector, including through some of the toughest moments ever faced.
“I’m proud of our achievements and my small part, but the time is right to embrace the next challenge in 2026.
“I wish David and the collective well under fresh leadership. The country needs it to be a powerful force for our national health.”
ukactive Chair David Stalker said: “Huw’s leadership as CEO over the past six years has been nothing short of transformative.
“Under Huw’s guidance, we have achieved many remarkable milestones, including significant growth in our partnerships and multiple groundbreaking initiatives.
“His vision and dedication have propelled ukactive to new heights, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to our mission.
“I would like to congratulate Huw on his outstanding achievements and on behalf of the Board, the staff and ukactive’s members, thank him for his invaluable contribution to our organisation.”
During his ukactive career, Huw has played a key role in shaping and leading the organisation’s strategy, as well as leading its engagement with the Government and key partners.
He took over as CEO from Steven Ward in 2019 and was instrumental in leading the sector’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, tirelessly lobbying the Government and its advisors to recognise the essential role of the sector and support ukactive’s members.
Huw has helped navigate the sector through the recession and the energy crisis, as well as lobbying three different Governments.
He has overseen the development and launch of the UK Health & Fitness Market Report and The Active Standard, as well as the delivery of major projects and industry initiatives such as Open Doors, MSK Hubs, the ICS Blueprint, Digital Futures, and Safer Spaces in partnership with Sport England.
Before joining ukactive, Huw was the Public Affairs lead at British Tennis, working across both the Lawn Tennis Association and The Tennis Foundation. He previously worked for both the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Olympic Delivery Authority during the delivery of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Until the Spring, Huw will continue driving the delivery of strategic priorities in ukactive’s business plan, including major guidance updates for facilities serving children and young people, and providers of single-sex spaces and services; the UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026; and discussions with Government on national initiatives and investment opportunities, from the £400m facilities fund, to Get Britain Moving, and Keep Britain Working.
