• Founding Executive Director
• TrioPlus Limited

David is the Founding Executive Director of TrioPlus, a consultancy specialising in sport, physical activity, leisure and culture. He has extensive experience in project startups, funding, and government relations. He also delivers workshops for CIPFA and lectures at CASS Business School. Previously, he directed the Lottery Sports Fund.

• President
• The Royal Smithfield Club

Geoff Burgess qualified in agriculture and mechanisation, starting his career in tropical agriculture and with Massey Ferguson. In 1978, he became MD at Wright Rain, leading irrigation projects. He joined Wolseley Group in 1988, then Charterhouse Turf Machinery in 1993. He has also worked with multiple turf industry companies and events.

• Head of Grounds and Technical Operations
• England Rugby

Boasting over 26 years of extensive management experience in the sports turf industry, Jim currently holds the position of Head of Grounds and Technical Operations at England Rugby. Beginning his journey in grounds as an apprentice at a private school in Cambridgeshire, Jim has gone on to successfully deliver surfaces for several leagues and competitions across the world. Jim also holds an advisory role and feeds into the strategy for the Rugby Grounds Connected programme for volunteer grounds people.

• Managing Director
• Advanced Turf Technology Ltd

As the founder of Advanced Turf Technology Ltd, John has grown it into a multi-million-pound business whose designs are used by top global sports organisations. A named inventor on multiple patents, his expertise in product innovation and strategic growth will be instrumental in shaping the GMA's future direction

• Managing Director
• Lagan Valley Scientific

With 20 years of molecular biology experience, including a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, she has worked on plant stress genetics and plant disease/pest diagnostics. Deborah will support the GMA's education initiatives with her academic and industry expertise.

• Head Grounds Person
• Brighton and Hove Albion FC

Phil’s career in grounds began on his first day as an apprentice at Portsmouth FC in 2005. Since then, Phil has gone on to work across all four professional leagues as a Head Groundsman and has also worked in consultancy and advisory roles. His time in the industry has seen him visit 30 countries across 5 continents as a turf-care professional.

• Partner
• Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP

Paul has nearly 40 years of experience in the grocery sector, with senior roles at Nestlé and Palmer & Harvey. He co-leads Ward and Hagon advising on strategies that drive growth and serves on the Board of Warpaint London. Paul looks forward to supporting GMA’s long-term success.

• Landscape & Grounds Manager
• Nottingham University

Having remained a member of the GMA throughout his entire career, Greg has been involved in sports grounds maintenance since 1983, starting out through the YTS scheme and studying for his City and Guilds and NVQ to level three. A 2018 GMA Industry Awards winner and currently representing the Education Sector as Grounds Manager at Nottingham University, Greg delivers sport for the students and organises large events; held both nationwide and locally.

• National Topsoil Manager
• British Sugar plc

Having joined British Sugar in 1987 as an Agricultural Trainee, Andy went on to take over the management of British Sugar’s Topsoil business just 10 years later in 1997. Andy also held the role of Affiliate Director on the BALI board, currently sits as Vice Chairman for BALI Anglia region and enjoys his position as Volunteer Groundsperson at Bury St Edmonds Rugby Club.

• Head Groundsman
• The All England Lawn Tennis Club

Neil Stubley is Head of Courts and Horticulture at AELTC, Wimbledon. He began his career in 1993, earning a National Diploma in Sports Turf and a Foundation Degree in Sports Turf Management. He joined AELTC in 1995, became Head Groundsman in 2012, and oversees both courts and horticulture.

• Senior Facilities Planning Manager
• Football Foundation

Claire has extensive experience in sports and leisure consultancy, having held roles at Knight Kavanagh & Page and spent over four years at The Football Association. Currently Senior Facilities Planning Manager at the Football Foundation, she also serves as a non-executive director at Northumberland County FA, supporting grassroots football.

• Partner
• Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP

Martyn has 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and executive roles at companies like Foster's Brewing Group, Alliance UniChem/Boots and SSL International where he was Regional Managing Director. Now co-leading Ward and Hagon, he helps small businesses grow. A strategic and collaborative leader, Martyn brings expertise in business growth and stakeholder relations to the GMA Board.

• Managing Director
• ISEKI UK & Ireland

David has been a turf industry leader since the 1980s and served 24 years at Jacobsen, including as President in North America. Since 2016 he has successfully led ISEKI UK's sales & marketing for their innovative turf and electric vehicles. An industry thought leader, David brings valuable insight on future developments to the GMA Board.

• Senior Maintenance Manager
• University of Leeds

James Wright has 25 years of grounds management experience, starting as a volunteer at Dunnington Cricket Club. He has worked on golf courses in Spain, Ireland, and the US, including four years at Double Eagle Club. He is currently Senior Maintenance Manager at the University of Leeds, with a HND in Turfgrass Science.