Andy Devaney
After six years at the helm, Huw Edwards has announced he will step down as CEO of ukactive, marking the end of a defining chapter in the UK’s health and fitness sector. Edwards, who first joined the organisation nearly a decade ago as Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Research, will officially leave in April 2026, with the full support of ukactive Chair David Stalker.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as ukactive CEO these past six years,” said Huw Edwards. “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.”
True to form, Edwards’ parting words weren’t about himself but the people around him. He extended thanks to former ukactive Chairs, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Mike Farrar, and the many colleagues “past and present” who, as he put it, “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,” he added. “I wish David and the collective well under fresh leadership. The country needs it to be a powerful force for our national health.”
Chair David Stalker paid tribute to Edwards’ tenure, describing it as “nothing short of transformative.”
“Huw’s leadership as CEO over the past six years has been nothing short of transformative,” said Stalker. “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.”
Edwards’ time as CEO has been marked by resilience and reform. He took over in 2019, guiding ukactive through the Covid-19 pandemic, where his lobbying of the Government ensured gyms and leisure facilities were recognised as essential to the nation’s health. He also steered the organisation through the economic recession and energy crisis, dealing with three different Governments in the process.
Among his many achievements, Edwards spearheaded the launch of major sector initiatives such as the UK Health & Fitness Market Report, The Active Standard, and projects including Open Doors, MSK Hubs, Digital Futures, Safer Spaces, and the ICS Blueprint, many in partnership with Sport England.
Before joining ukactive, he led Public Affairs at British Tennis, working across both the Lawn Tennis Association and The Tennis Foundation, and held roles within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Olympic Delivery Authority during the 2012 Games.
Between now and his departure next spring, Huw Edwards will continue to drive ukactive’s strategic priorities — including updates for youth and single-sex facility guidance, the 2026 Health & Fitness Market Report, and high-level Government talks on national initiatives and investment opportunities like the £400m facilities fund, Get Britain Moving, and Keep Britain Working.
In an industry built on energy and endurance, Huw Edwards has been both. His next challenge may be unknown, but his legacy — a stronger, more unified fitness sector — is already firmly in place.
