Navigating complexity. Unlocking performance. Delivering legacy.
Playmaker Consultancy is led by Sam Hinchliffe, a senior leader with proven success across elite sport, major visitor attractions and capital projects. We help venues and clubs transform their operational delivery and achieve lasting results.
He’s spent his career at the heart of some of the UK’s most exciting and challenging venues — places where every day is about delivering world-class experiences to thousands of people.
At The Yorkshire County Cricket Club, he began as a volunteer and worked his way up to the role of Director. Along the way, he helped deliver some of the biggest moments in cricket — from The Ashes to the ICC Cricket World Cup — managing complex operations that had to run flawlessly under the spotlight. He also played a key role in the £42m redevelopment of the Howard Stand, transforming the venue’s capability for decades to come, and took on the responsibility of COVID Officer, ensuring the safety of staff, players, and fans during an unprecedented time.
His next chapter took him to Chester Zoo, one of the UK’s most visited attractions. As Director of Operations, he oversaw a £18.3m commercial portfolio spanning, catering, retail, and conference and events. It was about more than revenue — it was about creating moments of wonder for over two million guests each year.
Those experiences taught him that great operations don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of clear strategy, meticulous planning, and the ability to adapt when the unexpected happens. That’s why he founded Playmakers Consultancy — to help organisations in sport, culture, and visitor attractions unlock their potential, deliver exceptional experiences, and achieve sustainable growth.
At the core of his work are three values: integrity, collaboration, and authenticity. He believes in building trusted relationships, working side-by-side with clients to understand their world, and delivering solutions that make a measurable difference.
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