The team behind Okken

Operators with depth across acquisitions, operations and finance.

Okken is a small, experienced team. We have backgrounds in private acquisitions, operating businesses, and financial management. We do not run a large head office; the people in the businesses we own do the operational work, and the central team exists to support, fund and govern.

Paul Cooper, Chief Executive Officer

Paul leads Okken. His career has been built in private acquisitions and the operation of businesses behind the scenes, with a long track record of working alongside operating teams to support and protect what those businesses do well. He sets the strategic direction of Okken and chairs the board of each company we own.

Mitch Powis, Head of Operations

Mitch leads operations across the Okken portfolio. He works directly with the management teams of the businesses we own, supporting their day-to-day decisions, helping them deliver investment programmes, and providing the operational rigour that comes from having seen leisure businesses run well and badly in equal measure. He is the bridge between the operating teams and the centre.

Paul Newsham, Group Accountant

Paul is responsible for the financial management of the Okken group. He oversees the financial reporting, treasury and tax position of each business we own, supports the management teams on financial decision-making, and provides the discipline that allows the central team to plan investment programmes with confidence. His background is in private company accounting and corporate finance.