GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

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GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

GMA has announced the appointment of Jason Booth as its next Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process.

GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

GMA appoints Jason Booth as Chief Executive Officer

Jason brings more than 12 years’ experience within GMA, during which he has held a range of senior roles and made a significant contribution to the organisation’s development. His deep understanding of GMA’s work and membership places him in a strong position to lead the organisation into its next phase.

As part of a planned and orderly transition, current CEO Geoff Webb will remain in post until March 2027, with Jason formally assuming the role in April 2027. This approach will ensure continuity and stability while supporting a smooth leadership handover.

Martyn Ward, Chair of the Board for the GMA, said: “We are delighted to appoint Jason as our next CEO. He brings a wealth of experience, a strong track record of leadership, and a deep understanding of both our organisation and the needs of our members. The Board is confident he is the right person to lead GMA forward. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff for his continued leadership and his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition.”

Commenting on his appointment, Jason Booth said: “I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the role of CEO at GMA. Having spent the past 12 years here, this is a very meaningful moment for me. The GMA, our members and the wider grounds management sector is something I care deeply about.

“Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues and getting to know many of our members, and those experiences have shaped how I see the organisation and its future.

“Supporting our members will continue to be at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to building on our strong foundations and working together to deliver even greater value in the years ahead.”

Geoff Webb, current CEO, added: “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of the GMA and to work with such a dedicated team and engaged membership. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and confident that, in Jason, the organisation has a leader who understands its values, its strengths and its future potential. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition in the months ahead.”

The GMA remains focused on delivering its strategic priorities and supporting its members, with continuity in leadership and a clear direction for future growth.

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Stuart Wharam Joins Kress UK as Commercial Business Manager

Stuart Wharam Joins Kress UK as Commercial Business Manager

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Stuart Wharam Joins Kress UK as Commercial Business Manager

Kress UK has appointed Stuart Wharam as its new Commercial Business Manager for the North, strengthening the company’s commitment to the golf and sports turf sectors across the region.

Stuart Wharam Joins Kress UK as Commercial Business Manager

Stuart Wharam Joins Kress UK as Commercial Business Manager

With around 15 years of industry experience, Stuart brings extensive knowledge of the professional groundscare and machinery market to the role. He began his career at a machinery dealership in East Yorkshire before spending eight and a half years with STIHL, prior to joining Kress UK.

In his new role, Stuart will focus on supporting golf courses, sports venues and commercial customers throughout a large territory stretching from Lincolnshire across North Wales, throughout the North of England and the entirety of Scotland. Working closely with Kress dealers, he will help introduce customers to the company’s growing range of battery-powered and robotic equipment.

Speaking about his decision to join Kress, Stuart said the brand’s technology and innovation were major factors.

“The robotics and the technology from Kress are ridiculously good,” he said. “They are really pushing the boundaries when it comes to robotic mowing and battery technology. That’s what drew me to Kress.”

Stuart also believes Kress stands out because of its long-term commitment to battery power.

“From day one they’ve been battery-focused,” he explained. “Everything is moving towards battery technology, and Kress is already there.”

As part of his role, Stuart will work closely with both dealers and end users, particularly within the golf and sports sectors.

“My role is all about introducing customers to Kress and helping them understand the benefits of the technology,” he said. “At the same time, I’ll be working alongside the dealer network across the region.”

Having already met many dealers within his territory, Stuart says the response has been extremely positive, with several already familiar with him from previous roles within the industry.

Discussing the growth of battery-powered equipment, Stuart believes performance is helping to change perceptions among professional users.

“With Kress equipment there’s no drop-off in power compared to petrol products,” he said. “If someone moves from a two-stroke machine to one of our battery products, there’s no disadvantage at all. It’s only a bonus.”

He also highlighted the wider operator benefits of battery technology, including reduced noise and the removal of exhaust fumes.

“People are finishing work without ringing in their ears and without breathing in fumes all day,” he said. “It’s better all round.”

Stuart added that fast charging technology is also helping to remove concerns around battery runtime.

“Even on power-hungry machines, our batteries charge so quickly that you can’t run one flat before the next one is ready,” he said. “So you’ve got constant power.”

Reflecting on his career in the industry so far, Stuart said the variety of the role and the people he meets continue to motivate him.

“Every day is different,” he said. “A lot of the work is outdoors, which I enjoy, and I get to meet different people all the time. Plus, working within golf and sports turf means I get to visit some beautiful places.”

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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Corrina Urquhart appointed Executive Officer of the Amenity Forum

Corrina Urquhart appointed Executive Officer of the Amenity Forum

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Corrina Urquhart appointed Executive Officer of the Amenity Forum

The Amenity Forum is pleased to announce the appointment of Corrina Urquhart as its new Executive Officer.

Corrina Urquhart appointed Executive Officer of the Amenity Forum

Corrina Urquhart appointed Executive Officer of the Amenity Forum

The appointment comes at an important time for the Amenity Forum as the sector continues to respond to evolving regulatory, environmental and operational challenges. In her new fractional role, Corrina will help grow the Forum’s membership and influence, translating its expertise into clear policy positions, stronger industry engagement and increased sector impact.

Corrina has held senior roles with organisations including BASIS Registration Ltd, where she most recently served as Chief Executive. With almost 20 years’ experience across membership, education and research organisations, she has a strong track record in influencing policy discussions and supporting professional standards across the land-based and environmental sectors.

Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Corrina to the Amenity Forum. She brings the experience and leadership we need as we continue to evolve and strengthen the Forum’s voice, profile and impact across the sector.

Corrina understands how membership organisations can help shape policy, support their industries and build meaningful partnerships. She is widely recognised for her ability to bring people together, create momentum and deliver progress on complex issues.”

Commenting on her appointment, Corrina Urquhart said:

“I am excited to join the Amenity Forum as it has a strong reputation for bringing together organisations and individuals committed to promoting best practice, professionalism and responsible management within the amenity sector.

I look forward to working with members, partners and stakeholders to build on that strong foundation, strengthen engagement and help ensure the sector’s voice is clearly heard in policy and industry discussions.”

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New appointment at Indigrow

New appointment at Indigrow

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New appointment at Indigrow

Indigrow (UK) are delighted to announce the appointment of Wendy O’Brien as an Area Sales Manager in Surrey and Sussex.

New appointment at Indigrow

New appointment at Indigrow

Wendy brings a wide range of experience from 30 years of greenkeeping at a number of prestigious courses throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. As well as her most recent role as Course Manager at a private member club, she has also volunteered annually at 23 Masters tournaments, also volunteering at two Ryder Cups and the Women’s Open proving she is able to deliver the highest standards of greenkeeping on some of golf’s biggest stages.

Speaking about her appointment, Wendy said: “I am excited to join the Indigrow (UK) team and bring my experience and knowledge to a different side of this wonderful industry. As a regular user of Indigrow products throughout my previous roles in course management, I will be able to share my positive experiences with contacts new and old. I am looking forward to supporting greenkeepers and groundkeepers in the challenges they face to produce the best possible conditions as part of my new role.”

Wendy will focus her efforts with Indigrow (UK) in the Surrey and Sussex areas, expanding our areas of operation and working alongside our existing team members in the South of England.

We are delighted to welcome Wendy to the Indigrow (UK) team.

If you would like to reach out to Wendy to discuss future opportunities, please contact her on: 07483 719 618 or wobrien@indigrow.co.uk

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Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

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Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Axton as Programme Leader: Technical Training and Advisory, effective 8 June 2026.

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Bernhard Academy Appoints Matt Axton as Programme Leader

Axton joins Bernhard Academy with extensive international experience in turf machinery and golf course engineering, further strengthening its commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant education for turf professionals.

He brings a strong technical background, supported by NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Greenkeeping and Horticultural Engineering, and an NVQ Level 3 in Horticultural Engineering. His expertise was recognised with the prestigious City & Guilds Medal of Excellence, presented by HRH Prince Philip at St James’s Palace.

Throughout his career, Axton has held senior mechanical and management roles at leading venues including The Belfry, Copt Heath Golf Club and The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club. Internationally, he spent eight years as Equipment Manager at The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and later served as After Sales Manager for Hydroturf in Qatar, working closely with Toro and Club Car equipment and dealer networks.

His hands-on experience across dealerships and greenkeeping roles has given him a well-rounded understanding of the technical and operational challenges faced by turf professionals. He has also played a key role in developing the Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation (TETO), a highly engaged global community that supports knowledge sharing across the industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Sami Strutt, Education Director at Bernhard Academy, said: “Matt’s depth of technical knowledge and real-world experience make him an outstanding addition to the team. His passion for developing others aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver relevant, high-quality education for the industry.”

In his new role, Axton will lead the delivery and development of Bernhard Academy’s technical training programmes, supporting professionals at all career stages while helping to develop the next generation of turf equipment technicians. He will also provide advisory support aligned with industry best practice and contribute to installations and event activity.

Axton added: “I’m delighted to be joining Bernhard Academy and to have the opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped my career. I strongly believe technical training should be practical and grounded in real-world experience, and I look forward to supporting professionals at every stage of their development.”

For more information on Bernhard Academy and its training programmes, visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

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