New role for experienced leisure and events expert

16th September 2016

Leisure operator SIV has appointed Dominic Stokes as its new Head of SIV Events and Ponds Forge.

Previously general manager of SIV Events, the events arm of SIV, Dominic will now also be in charge of the day-to-day management of Ponds Forge. He will also continue to be responsible for attracting major sporting, business and entertainment events, conferences, exhibitions and meetings to the SIV portfolio as well as overseeing their delivery. Every year, SIV hosts more than 1,500 events across its portfolio of venues contributing over £30m to the Sheffield economy. Dominic has worked in the leisure, entertainment and events industry for more than 20 years He enjoyed a successful five-year role as general manager of SIV's Sheffield City Hall, where he was responsible for the reopening of the venue following a £12 million refurbishment. Since 2010, Dominic has built Sheffield's reputation as a premier destination for conferences and events during his time as general manager of SIV Events. Ponds Forge is one Europe's best aquatics facilities and home to a number of Team GB swimmers and divers. The venue attracts around one million visitors and 400 events every year from international sporting events to the Sheffield Business Awards and its Fitness Unlimited gym and changing rooms recently underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Dominic said: -I'm extremely proud to have been appointed to this new role. Ponds Forge is one of the best venues of its kind in Europe and I'm looking forward to building on the success and legacy it has enjoyed over the last 25 years. -Since opening in 1991, it has welcomed more than 25 million customers for lessons, coached activities and gym sessions, provided a training base for scores of elite swimmers and divers and hosted 10,000 events and I'm excited to be appointed to lead the next chapter in the venue's history. SIV is part of the not-for-profit Sheffield City Trust (SCT) whose primary objective is to improve the health and wellbeing of Sheffield people by providing facilities for sport and leisure activities. Steve Brailey, chief executive of SIV, said: -Dominic brings a wealth of experience in the leisure, entertainment and events industry to this role. He was key to the redevelopment and subsequent success of Sheffield City Hall and has forged a reputation for the city as a unique destination for sporting, business and entertainment events. I wish Dominic every success in his new position. For more information visit www.siv.org.uk.