Legend Club Management Systems has announced that Ian Burroughs will join its Board as a non-executive Chairman later this month. Formerly managing director of Virgin Active in South Africa, Ian will provide a consultancy role for the growing company, as it continues to increase its profile within the membership management sector of the leisure industry.

Prior to joining Legend, Ian spent 15 years within the Virgin Group, and held the prominent role of Managing Director of Virgin Active South Africa until 2003. At that time the chain of 77 health clubs in South Africa and Namibia had over 400,000 members and an annual turnover of £60 million. On leaving Virgin Active South Africa, Ian consulted to Virgin LifeCare, advising on the commercial aspects of its expansion into the US.

Sean Maguire, Managing Director of Legend, recognises that Ian’s experience will be invaluable in raising the profile of the company. He comments: “We are delighted to welcome Ian to the Board. Having worked for the fifth largest operator in the world, Ian was responsible for re branding and rebuilding a business now known as the very successful Virgin Active South Africa. His impeccable credentials and wealth of experience will undoubtedly assist us at such a key time in the development of Legend.”

Commenting on his appointment, Ian Burroughs says: “Having worked for a progressive company like Virgin for so long, I knew it would be difficult to find a similar organisation or product that could maintain my enthusiasm. Legend Club Management Systems, however, provides its customers with the sort of innovation that will make a real difference to their operation and profitability. I am very excited to be involved with such a dynamic company and energetic team.”

At the same time, Legend also welcomes Godfrey Burley who joins the board in the position of Financial Director. Godfrey brings over 30 years of financial experience to add to Legend’s already accomplished board of directors. In the early 1990’s he was a founder shareholder and director of Prism Rail Plc, the company formed to bid for railway passenger franchises offered as part of the privatisation of British Rail. Prism successfully won four franchises and floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1998. Godfrey retired from the board when Prism was acquired by the National Express Group in 2000, and has since acted as Financial Director for a range of companies. Godfrey has been involved with the company since launch, and his appointment is effective in June 2005.