Tag Archive for: Leadership

New Era For GMA Leadership

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New Era For GMA Leadership: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Martyn Ward as Chair of the Board of Directors, and Neil Stubley as Vice Chair, ushering in a new era of leadership for the Association.

The GMA also extends its sincere thanks and best wishes to outgoing Chair David Carpenter, whose strategic guidance has been instrumental in shaping the Association’s direction over the last two decades.

New Era For GMA Leadership

New Era For GMA Leadership

Martyn Ward, Partner at Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP, brings over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and executive leadership. His career includes senior roles at Foster’s Brewing Group/Courage, Alliance UniChem/Boots, and SSL International, where he served as Regional Managing Director. A strategic and collaborative leader, he offers deep expertise in business development and stakeholder engagement, making him a valuable asset to the GMA Board.

Joining him as the newly appointed Vice Chair is Neil Stubley, Head of Grounds and Horticulture at The All-England Lawn Tennis Club – a well-respected figure in the industry. His practical experience within grounds management makes him a strong complement to Martyn’s strategic vision. His appointment as Vice Chair reflects his longstanding commitment to the grounds management profession and the GMA’s mission.

Neil Stubley commented: “I’m proud to take on the role of Vice Chair and support Martyn and the Board in continuing the GMA’s vital work. Together, we’ll focus on strengthening the industry, supporting our members, and ensuring the value of grounds management is recognised across all sectors.”

As the GMA bids farewell to David Carpenter, the Board expresses its appreciation for his years of service. David has spent the last seven years as Board Chair, and prior to that supported the GMA as an independent Board member. David’s leadership has helped foster a strong, inclusive community and laid the groundwork for future growth and innovation.

Martyn Ward added: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair at such a pivotal time for the GMA. I look forward to working with Neil, the Board, and our members to build on the strong foundation laid by David and drive continued progress across the sector.”

Geoff Webb, CEO said: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to David Carpenter for his invaluable contributions over the past seven years as Chair. Throughout times of challenge, David’s quiet yet confident leadership has been a steadying force and should not be underestimated.

“We’ve also seen the GMA grow steadily, thanks to the support of dedicated individuals like Geoff Burges and James Wright, who now conclude their time on the Board. Their efforts have helped position us strongly for the future.

“Looking ahead, I’m confident that Martyn Ward and Neil Stubley will be a dynamic pairing, well-placed to build on the solid foundations laid so far and to support the executive team as we move forward.”

The GMA remains committed to supporting its members and promoting excellence in grounds management. With this new leadership team, the Association is poised for continued innovation and impact.

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Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes

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Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes: Deere & Company has announced key leadership changes as it continues to advance its Smart Industrial Strategy to deliver intelligent, connected machines and solutions that enhance customer economic value.

“We’re focused on building an experienced, purpose-driven leadership team dedicated to improving our customers’ success,” said John May, Chairman and CEO of Deere & Company. “Each of these leaders brings extensive expertise, a shared vision for innovation, and a deep commitment to delivering value to our customers worldwide.”

Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes

Deere & Company Announces Key Leadership Changes

Effective November 3, Deanna Kovar has been appointed President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division: Production and Precision Ag, as well as the Americas and Australia markets. In this role, she will have responsibility for major equipment and technology solutions for production-scale agriculture, including large tractors, as well as harvesting and crop care equipment. Kovar was previously president of the company’s Small Ag & Turf business.

Justin Rose will assume the role of President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division: Small Agriculture and Turf, including responsibility for the Europe, Africa, and Asia markets. Rose will be responsible for equipment and technology solutions tailored to support small agricultural and turf customers worldwide, including small tractors, compact utility tractors, hay and forage equipment, and turf care equipment. He recently served as president of Lifecycle Solutions, Supply Management, and Customer Success for Deere.

In addition, Cory Reed has been named President, Lifecycle Solutions, Supply Management, and Customer Success. Reed will manage Deere’s global aftermarket, customer support, supply chain, precision upgrade, and business transformation initiatives, focusing on delivering exceptional value and support for customers worldwide. Previously, he was president of the company’s Production and Precision Ag business.

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Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS

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Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS: Corrina Urquhart, who has been serving as interim CEO of BASIS since November 2024, is now stepping into the permanent role of CEO, assuming responsibility for this training, certification and auditing body.

William Burgess, chairman of BASIS, commented : “With Corrina at the helm, BASIS has found the right leader at the right time. In a short span of time, she has provided stability and clear direction. Both I and the Board of Trustees are confident that she will develop a refreshed vision for BASIS and brings with her great energy to achieve this. We are all looking forward to working with her further to drive the business forward.’’

Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS

Corrina Urquhart assumes permanent leadership at BASIS

Before her appointment as CEO, Corrina was Director of External Relations at Lantra; a significant milestone of her 18-year career in education, research, and policy. Her accomplishments include spearheading industry-first initiatives including the annual Land-Based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards, a deep dive into diversity issues in the environmental sector and a comprehensive evaluation of advisory services within the agricultural industry.

In 2024, Corrina was recognised for her inspirational leadership skills as a finalist of the national Woman Who Achieves Awards.

Corrina Urquhart said: ‘’I am honoured to lead BASIS and its dedicated team into its next phase. Our focus will be on improving the organisation’s ability to positively impact on people and businesses in the land management, environmental, and amenity sectors.’’

She continued ‘’Under my leadership, BASIS will adopt a proactive approach to engagement. In January alone, I look forward to meeting with members and stakeholders at key industry events including the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), and the UK Lawncare Association Annual Conference, plus a site visit through the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).’’

BASIS is an independent organisation committed to providing professional qualifications, membership schemes, and certification standards for the land management, environmental, and amenity sectors. It offers a range of recognised qualifications for professionals working in pesticides, fertilisers and related fields. BASIS also operates an annual audit scheme for UK pesticides stores and rodenticide outlets, ensuring operations minimise risk to people and the environment. Additionally, it manages the professional registers of more than 12,000 qualified advisers in the plant protection, plant nutrition and public health pest management sectors; while serving as a forum for industry bodies and stakeholders to uphold and promote professional standards..

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Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

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Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team: The Bernhard Academy has today announced the expansion of its leadership team, with the appointment of Phil Helmn as full-time Programme Leader – Agronomy, Leadership, and Management.

Helmn’s new position will see him take control of delivery of all Bernhard Academy courses and workshops relating to Agronomy, Leadership, and Management subjects. He will work closely with the recently appointed Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, Sami Strutt, other programme leaders, and internal and external teams to ensure a coordinated and positive experience at the Bernhard Academy.

Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

Helmn has more than 35 years of experience in the turf and agronomy industry, having worked for some of the biggest names in the business, managed full golf course construction projects, and also supported the Bernhard Academy previously as a speaker and workshop guest. Helmn is a GCSAA Class E – Educator member, and also a Master Greenkeeper – one of only a few worldwide – so is extremely well placed to work with Strutt to take the Bernhard Academy forward.

Speaking on his new role, Helmn said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Bernhard Academy and helping Sami to expand its operations. Since its inception, the Bernhard Academy has been making real progress and providing greenkeepers and turf professionals in the UK with superb tools to enhance their careers.

“Throughout the last year, the cutting unit setup workshops and management programmes that the Academy has delivered have been very successful. So, I’m excited to work with Sami and the wider team to continue developing and evolving the full programme of classes and workshops over the next few months.”

Strutt added: “Phil is a fantastic addition to the Bernhard Academy team. He is a Master Greenkeeper and highly regarded internationally within the turf industry, so his expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Bernhard Academy as we continue to evolve its offering.

“Since I started my role in the spring, it’s been great to see the commitment from everyone involved in the Bernhard Academy to enhance the careers of greenkeepers and sports turf professionals. We’re trying to provide something really positive for the turf industry, and Phil is sure to be a crucial part of that as we move forward.”

Strutt joined the Bernhard Academy as Education Director earlier this year having previously performed numerous roles in a 30-year tenure at BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association), most recently as the organisation’s chief operating officer.

During Helmn’s first few months, he will be in charge of identifying and developing a range of workshops relating to Agronomy, Leadership and Management subjects for the forthcoming Autumn/Winter season.

In addition to the appointment of Helmn, the Bernhard Academy is also recruiting for a second senior management position, as Programme Leader – Technical and Equipment Management. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing, adapting, and introducing programmes to deliver world-class learning and development opportunities to the industry in all subjects related to Technical training and Equipment Management.

To find out more about this additional recruitment opportunity, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/careers/. Applications will close on June 7th, 2024.

To learn more about the Bernhard Academy and the courses, programmes, and workshops it offers across its locations at Haverhill (Suffolk), Moortown (Leeds), Norwich (Norfolk), and Gleneagles (Scotland), visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

You can also find the Bernhard Academy on Twitter at @BernhardAcademy or on Instagram at @bernhard_academy

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New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

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New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed: The Wildflower seed brand of Green-tech, John Chambers Wildflower Seed, is entering its 11th year under new guidance.

With over a decade of experience at Green-tech, Roger McGivern has moved from managing a sales team to leading the John Chambers team through the next period of the brand’s development and growth.

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

John Chambers Business Manager Roger will be responsible for the overall performance of the brand, managing a trade and key account database, and delivering educational and training seminars as well as accredited CPDs to specifiers.  He will be supported by Georgia Gilbert, the John Chambers Technical manager, Jason Brits, the Production and Operations supervisor, and Emily Murray, the JC Wildflower technician.

Geen-tech’s Business Development Director Mark Wood comments, “I am delighted to welcome Roger to the team. He joins with in-depth knowledge of the product portfolio and a wealth of experience and has a mass of ideas on how to develop the brand in line with company strategy and goals. I am looking forward to working with Roger and the rest of the team as we enter the next chapter for John Chambers Wildflower Seed.”

Roger adds, “I am very happy to join the John Chambers team. My existing knowledge and expertise of the customer base, product portfolio, and systems mean I am starting in a strong position. The John Chambers Wildflower Seed brand has undergone phenomenal growth over the last decade, with sales increasing tenfold over this period.  I am joining at an exciting period in the brand’s development and growth, and I look forward to working with the dedicated and skilled team and introducing new ideas and initiatives.”

John Chambers Wildflower Seed has a 40-year history of supplying native British-produced wildflower seed and mixes to landscape and garden lovers across the UK. John Chambers is one of the leading authorities on native wildflower seed, distributing a comprehensive range of products that protect, enhance, and improve the landscape environment.

Mark Wood continues, “We have orders for some major infrastructure projects that are planned over the next five years for the John Chambers brand. Roger has an experienced and robust team behind him to deliver upon these. I’m looking forward to the next chapter for this brand.”

If you are interested in joining Green-tech and building a career within the landscaping industry, click the link below to check out their careers page with all current vacancies. https://www.green-tech.co.uk/about-us/careers

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