Former Places for People Leisure CEO Steve Philpott has become the latest leisure industry heavyweight to back David Stalker’s new trampolining concept Oxygen Freejumping, joining as an investor and non executive director.

Philpott, who has extensive experience across the leisure industry, completes an all-star Oxygen team founded by outgoing ukactive CEO Stalker and former ukactive chair and LA fitness co-founder Fred Turok. Meanwhile, ex-ukactive public affairs director Stephen Wilson is on board as strategy director.

“For me as CEO, I couldn’t be more delighted that Steve Philpott has chosen to join us as an investor and non-executive director on the Board,” Stalker told Health Club Management.

“Steve’s many years as a senior player in all kinds of areas of leisure makes him a fantastic sounding board on both strategy and day-to-day operations.”

Philpott’s backing of Oxygen comes just months after he took up a position as non-executive chair of Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs.

Oxygen has already raised in excess of £2.5m for the venture, with support from Jacaranda Capital Partners. During fundraising the company operated under the “Altitude” brand but since closing fundraising has announced that its clubs will operate under the Oxygen Freejumping brand. There are plans to open a minimum of 15 sites across the UK over the next two years, with the first site set to launch in West Acton this July.

Each Oxygen park will be in the range of 20,000 to 40,000sq ft and will comprise more than 100 trampolines, allowing participants to bounce of the walls and floors. Altitude will cater for all ages and abilities as participants will be able to try a wide range of activities including Parkour, gymnastics, and boutique fitness classes. Each park will also collaborate with local schools to offer children’s activities, holiday camps and parties.