Focus Dinner with John Waterworth, Parkdean Resorts

Chief executive since its creation in 1999, John started Parkdean with the acquisition of Trecco Bay Holiday Park, the UK’s largest caravan park.

23 further park acquisitions followed over the years, as he led the business for flotation on AIM in 2002 and, in 2006, steered a management buyout as Parkdean were taken private by Alchemy Partners in a deal worth £230m.

Overseeing recent mergers with Park Resorts, South Lakeland Parks and South View Manor Park, and with the latest purchase of Vauxhall Holiday Park in July, John has created the first truly nationwide holiday park business in the UK - Parkdean Resorts.

Now with 73 parks generating EBITDA of over £100m, the Group sells 500,000 holidays each year, accommodating over 2m customers and selling over 5,000 holiday homes.

With over 30 years’ experience in the leisure industry, John currently sits on a number of national caravan committees, is chairman of the British Graded Holidays Parks Scheme Committee, a member of the Tourism Council, a former director of the National Caravan Council and a previous board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

An outstanding entrepreneur, John has picked up numerous accolades within the industry and beyond in recognition of his business acumen and achievements.