Key new senior appointment at OneRen

Gordon Morrison becomes Director of Business Development – and has ambitious hopes for leisure, culture and sporting charity

A new Director of Business Development has started work at OneRen, the charity which runs leisure and cultural services across Renfrewshire.

Experienced executive Gordon Morrison will work to unlock new commercial opportunities which will further the organisation’s trailblazing work to grow social, health and sporting opportunities for residents – while also boosting the region’s economy.

Gordon, who lives with his family in Paisley, brings with him more than 20 years’ experience of working to enhance and develop visitor attractions, most recently as chief executive of the Association for Cultural Enterprises.

His arrival comes at a time of unprecedented investment in many of the venues operated by OneRen, including the landmark transformation of Paisley Museum.

And he is excited about what the future holds.

Gordon said: “The chance to join OneRen and be part of – and help grow – the incredibly impactful work that the charity does in my home region was just too compelling to turn down.

“The cultural regeneration project that’s underway in Paisley is arguably the most ambitious in the United Kingdom, investing £100m to make the region an even better place to live, visit, play and work. It’s a transformational once-in-a-lifetime investment.

“The work that happens every day in our leisure centres, libraries, community halls and other attractions makes a difference to peoples’ lives – improving their health and wellbeing as well as creating new opportunities through culture and sport.

“I am really excited about playing my part in helping the charity – and the communities it serves – to succeed by helping enhance visitor experiences and generating the revenues needed to further invest in our people, facilities and future.”

Gordon is also well known as the former chief executive of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions. He has also worked for VisitScotland and in hospitality.

OneRen Chief Executive Victoria Hollows said: “We are delighted – and count ourselves really fortunate – to have Gordon join our team.

“His experience, drive, enthusiasm for life in Renfrewshire and commercial acumen will be pivotal as we work hard to enhance visitor experiences and develop innovative new sources of revenue to reinvest in the region’s communities. I’m delighted that Gordon has joined OneRen, the team are already enjoying working with him and the experience he brings.”

The cultural investment in OneRen-operated venues in Paisley – delivered in partnership with Renfrewshire Council – also includes the successful revamp of Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Arts Centre, as well as the new-look Paisley Central Library.