Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team

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Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team: Rain Bird has appointed two new staff into its European Golf Team to support Rain Bird customers and further develop relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

Eric Ableitner is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in International Business and also has an MBA from Oklahoma State University. With over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry, he joins Rain Bird from Hilti after 12 years in a number of senior roles including Director of Aftermarket Services in Germany, Global Supply Chain Manager in the US, Head of Tool Services in the UK and most recently as a specialist for high-end Energy and Industry capital projects.

Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team

Rain Bird strengthens European Golf Team

As Regional Sales Manager North and Central Europe, based in the UK, Eric will lead the Rain Bird team to further develop Rain Bird’s presence in North and Central Europe, including in the key markets of the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the north of Eastern Europe.

Commenting on his new role Eric comments,

“I’m very excited about joining Rain Bird. This role is a new challenge, with a wider remit but Rain Bird’s premium products and sustainability focus are closely aligned with my previous experience and expertise. I’m very much looking forward to supporting customers in the months ahead.”

Christopher Miles, BSc (Hons), joins Rain Bird as Golf Sales Specialist to support and develop key elements of the golf industry in the UK. A keen golfer and an alumnus of University College Chichester in Sports Studies, he has a strong track record in commercial sales and business development in sports and software development industries.

Alastair Higgs, International Sales Manager for Golf comments,

“I am delighted to welcome Eric and Chris to the Rain Bird Golf team. They both have a breadth of commercial, sales and operational experience that will be invaluable and will significantly enhance our capabilities as a team.”

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Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

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Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing: Howardson Group is pleased to welcome Darren McMahon as the new Head of Marketing.

Darren’s career has spanned several industries, with roles at Aga-Rangemaster, Valor Fires, and, most recently, Viessmann, a family-owned German company where he spent 14 years leading UK marketing, training, and public affairs. His extensive background in high-quality product manufacturing and customer-focused marketing makes him a perfect fit for Howardson Group, which includes the Dennis, SISIS, Hunter Grinders, and Syn-Pro by SISIS brands.

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Speaking about what attracted him to the role, Darren said:

“As a family-owned business, decisions are made for the long term. There’s a very high drive for product quality, which I believe is extremely important. Customers should receive the very best product that we can manufacture, and the product should do the job for which it’s purchased. To support these products in the Dennis, Hunter Grinder, SISIS, and Syn-Pro ranges, there’s a crystal-clear focus on delivering the kind of service our customers would expect from a premium business.”

Since joining, Darren has already had an immersive introduction to the industry. Within his first five weeks, he attended three major exhibitions in the UK and USA, met with dealers, customers, and industry experts, and even got hands-on experience using Dennis and SISIS machines on both natural and synthetic surfaces.

“I think I joined at the best time to get a good feel for the company and the industry,” Darren said. “It’s been incredibly busy, but I have a growing appreciation for the hard work that goes into the preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces by groundscare professionals and how difficult the job is.”

Darren’s vision for the role focuses on two key objectives:

“I can break my objectives down into two areas,” Darren explained. “First, is to protect the historic legacy that’s gone into building the brand perceptions and reputations of today as a result of the hard work of others up to this point. Second, it’s to use that strong base to support further expansion of the Howardson Group, both locally in the UK and Irish markets and more internationally around the world where there are further opportunities for high-quality machines coupled with superior service.”

Away from work, Darren is an avid cyclist, finding peace in long countryside rides.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting on my road bike on a crisp day, heading into the countryside, and enjoying the beautiful country we live in but usually take for granted rushing from one place to another,” he shared.

Howardson Group is excited to have Darren on board and looks forward to his contributions in driving the company’s growth while upholding its legacy of quality and service.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

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Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies: Bernhard and Company, industry leader in grinding solutions and turf care technology, has announced the appointment of Jason Connaughton as its new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies in a brand-new role for the company.

Connaughton has an extensive career in golf turf, having started out as a greenkeeper in Ireland, then spending a year working in Australia at the Australian Club in Sydney. He eventually moved to the UK, becoming a qualified mechanic and eventually Golf Course Manager at Yeovil Golf Club, his most recent position before joining Bernhard and Company. His practical experience feeds directly into Bernhard’s strategy as a pioneer of data-driven technology solutions.

Bernhard & Company's new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

“It’s really exciting to be part of the Bernhard and Company team,” said Connaughton. “The turf care industry is moving so rapidly towards data collection – it’s become such a powerful tool. With the products and technology that we are now distributing and selling, we can help turf managers both collect important data and understand how to use it to make smart decisions and operate in the most efficient way possible.”

Bernhard and Company is a driving force in the modern turf industry, which is embracing and harnessing the power of data collection. Connaughton’s role as Territory Manager for Turf Technologies means overseeing the array of Bernhard solutions, and working with companies like Maya Global that is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence for sustainable land management. Bernhard’s research also shows that 75% of turf grass problems occur beneath the surface, so understanding how to better manage those is crucial to turf management.

Bernhard and Company Turf Technologies and Solutions:

Soil Scout – Soil Scout provides the most advanced fully buried underground wireless soil sensors and monitoring solution for professionals in golf and sports turf maintenance. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/soil-scout/

Maya Global – Maya Global provides an intelligent software platform for sustainable land management, offering real-time insights, task optimisation, and data-driven decision-making for golf courses, vineyards, parks, and sports pitches creating ultimate efficiencies. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/maya

SubAir – SubAir is the world’s leading subsurface aeration and moisture management solution, designed to moderate and control environmental subsoil conditions. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/subair/

TurfBreeze – The leading global name in sports surface aeration, TurfBreeze fans generate essential surface air movement to create high quality playing surfaces. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/turfbreeze/

Connaughton cited Bernhard’s industry leading reputation as a vital factor in his transition to his new role, alongside his positive experience as a long-time customer of Bernhard in his previous roles.

“They are a great company with a solid reputation. You always want to work for a good business, and I’ve known them for years as industry leaders. Joining Bernhard felt like a natural progression for me.

“I’ve used Bernhard and Company equipment right from the beginning of my career. They are synonymous with excellent turf health. The turf technologies that they have more recently added to the offering are an integral part of modern turf management.”

To learn more about Bernhard and Company and the turf technologies on offer, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/turf-tech/

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Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

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Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is pleased to formally announce Craig Lalley’s appointment as Key Account Manager and Aggregate Lead. Craig joined OAS in September 2024 and has worked closely with customers and partners to enhance the company’s offering in the sand and aggregate supply chain.

Origin Amenity Solutions is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable solutions for the sports turf, golf, and amenity sectors.   Specialising in protecting, managing, and sustaining turf and grassed surfaces, OAS supports grounds professionals and turf managers in achieving optimal surface performance.

Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

Origin Amenity Solutions Strengthens Sales Team

With 27 years of experience in the Amenity Sports Turf sector, Craig is BASIS and FACTS qualified and has extensive knowledge of the aggregate industry, making him a key addition to the OAS team.

In his role, Craig is focused on developing relationships with aggregate companies and key partners across the UK. He will also provide specialist technical advice and support to OAS’s key accounts, helping to drive growth within the Northern Sales Team.

Phil Dewhurst, Regional Sales Director (North), commented, “It is a pleasure to welcome Craig to OAS and I am delighted that he has strengthened the Northern Sales Team with his appointment.  His wealth of knowledge and experience in the sports turf industry makes him a fantastic asset to the business. As a Key Account Manager, Craig works closely with customers while providing support to the wider OAS sales team through his expertise and strong connections in the sand and aggregate sector. A task that I am sure he relishes!  Craig is thriving in this new role and making a real impact.”

Craig Lalley added, “The opportunity to join one of the industry’s leading companies in a new hybrid role was too good to turn down. I feel OAS is at the start of an exciting new chapter, and I’m happy to be given the chance to be a part of their future.”

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Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity

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Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity: Agrovista Amenity has strengthened its team with the appointment of Rob White as an Amenity Specialist. With 17 years of experience in greenkeeping, including a successful tenure as Head Greenkeeper at Wollaton Park Golf Club, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role.

Rob always felt his career would be in greenkeeping—until Agrovista Amenity came calling. “I was contacted and asked if I’d be interested in a phone call, and you never say no,” Rob explained. “It wasn’t something I had ever thought about before, but after speaking with Agrovista Amenity, I was really excited about the opportunity.”

Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity

Rob White Joins Agrovista Amenity

The decision to join Agrovista Amenity was solidified after thorough research into the company’s reputation and values. “It seemed like a great business to work for,” Rob said. “From the interview stage, it was clear that the company provides fantastic support for its employees. Plus, it offers me a much better work-life balance, which is really important as I have young children.”

Rob will be Midlands-based and will manage an extensive and varied client portfolio. His responsibilities will cover a broad range of sectors, including universities, golf courses, and local councils. Initially, he has been focused on making connections and establishing relationships with clients. “My first priority has been reaching out to everyone to introduce myself,” he said. “Now, I’m in the process of arranging meetings and getting out to see people face-to-face.”

Having spent nearly two decades dedicated to the meticulous upkeep of golf courses, Rob is eager to bring his expertise to a wider audience. “When you’re working on a golf course, you’re putting all your efforts into helping one site reach its full potential. But in this role, I get the opportunity to help a lot of people across different sectors achieve their goals, which is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Away from work, Rob is actively involved in his local community. He serves as a parish councillor and dedicates time to coaching children’s rugby teams. A passionate sportsman, he enjoys playing both golf and rugby in his spare time.

As Rob embarks on this new chapter with Agrovista Amenity, he is eager to make a positive impact and support clients in optimising their turf management strategies. “I’m really looking forward to getting out and working with people to help them achieve the best possible results,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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