Our People

Main Board

Andrew Dent - Director

Andrew Dent started as a management trainee in the motor industry, with BMW and Renault, moving into periodical publishing in 1979, and launching his own consultancy in 1983. He put together the first helicopter gift voucher network in 1987 and later joined Acorne as a consultant, acquiring a 50% share in the company in 1999. He is a keen pilot and a reluctant cyclist.

Richard Gyselynck - Director

After training with Price Waterhouse in London, Richard qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became MD of one of the largest UK flying schools. He founded Acorne to market flying and other experiences in a revolutionary new way to 'first-timers'. He is a keen balloon pilot and RIB/powerboat owner.

Paul O'Brien - Managing Director

With Acorne since 2005. An economics graduate, held senior management roles in Rolls-Royce Motors and international management consultants KSA before becoming Managing Director of branded apparel manufacturers Ben Sherman. Moved into the leisure sector in 1992 with Silverstone Circuits, initially running their driving centres and latterly as Sales Director.

John Fleming - Chairman

After initiation in industry as a chemical engineer, John Fleming practised as a management consultant to companies ranging from banks to breweries and mining to manufacturing and distribution. He capitalised on this wide base to finish his full-time career in the role of chief executive of a boutique mergers and acquisitions business. Along the way he has been a non-executive director of a packaging company and an insurer and served as the non-executive chairman of a national charity. Sports like rugby and ultra-marathoning have given way to more sedate cycling.

Chris Smith - Marketing Director

Chris has spent the last 10 years working in the Gift Voucher industry working for Whitbread Plc's Leisure Vouchers division. At Whitbread he also held a marketing role at Beefeater Restaurants where he introduced the Nectar loyalty scheme into the business and helped redesign the new Premier Inn bedrooms from a customer's perspective.