Mingara Group CEO announces retirement

After more than two decades at the helm, Mingara Leisure Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Barnett has announced he will retire in January 2026.

Barnett began as Operations Manager in 1998 before being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2002.

“The decision to retire is one that has been made with much consideration over a long period of time,” Barnett said.

“Not an easy decision for someone who has loved being in such a role for a long time, but the right one and the right time.

“I have had the privilege to lead Mingara Leisure Group for 22 years, and I’m immensely proud of our team and the extraordinary things we have achieved.

“Whilst we have grown the organisation’s net assets from $45M to over $135M in that time, we have kept our feet firmly on the ground, never forgetting the community who rallied together to form Mingara as a club 54 years ago.

“I look forward to retiring and will do so with much appreciation, pride, gratitude and humility.”

Current Chief Operating Officer Grant Gladman has been announced as Barnett’s successor, starting in February 2026.

“I have the utmost confidence in Grant as he takes on the role of CEO,” Barnett said.

“Grant embodies everything we stand for, and his humanistic-encouraging approach, and extensive operational experience has been a key contributor to our success.

“Grant and I will continue to work closely together and with our Board of Directors and executive team in the coming months as we transition the organisation towards a new future whilst continuing to strengthen our position.”

Daniel Pinkstone has been appointed group Chief Operating Officer after working as general manager of the Mingara Recreation Club for the last 14 years.

“Our organisation has always prided itself on growing and developing our team and the announcements of these successions demonstrate the commitment of our organisation to our team,” Barnett said.

“As Daniel commences his new role, the role of General Manager of Mingara Recreation Club will be tenured by Sarah Ferman.

“We congratulate Sarah, who has worked with us for the last 13 years as our Community and Sport Manager, and most recently as the Mingara Operations Manager.

“In her time, Sarah has established a wonderful rapport with the local community, club members and the Mingara team.”

Mingara Leisure Group chairman Phil Walker said.the Board of Directors and the entire Mingara Leisure Group team thanked Barnett for his outstanding contribution to leadership, the organisation and the community.

“Since his appointment as CEO, Paul has led our organisation through a significant transformation, growing Mingara from one registered club with 160 team members to five clubs with over 450 team members, as well as delivering our successful diversification strategy incorporating a new state-of-the-art fitness centre and wellness precinct, an 86-room hotel, as well as a Retirement Living project which is currently in planning.

“Whilst the growth of the organisation is important, this kind of success doesn’t come without visionary leadership, authenticity, and the ability to grow and develop a strong team who believe in our vision to make a significant contribution to the quality of community life. 

“A tenure of more than 27 years, and our longest serving CEO, is a remarkable and admirable legacy.

“Paul is not only leaving our organisation in a healthy position enabling us to continue our work in contributing to our local communities, but he has also made a significant contribution as a Director on the Board of ClubsNSW, the club industry’s peak body for over 13 years.”

Walker said the Board was thrilled to announce Gladman as the new Mingara Leisure Group CEO.

“Grant has been the Chief Operating Officer at Mingara Leisure Group since 2003 and has extensive experience within the club industry,” he said.

“Grant is a proven business leader who is passionate about leadership, culture and customer experience.

“As a member of the executive team, Grant has a deep understanding of our organisation and has been intrinsically involved in the growth and success of Mingara Leisure Group.

“We know Grant will continue to deliver our vision with purpose and a commitment to future success.”