GMA Appoint Six New Independent Directors To Board
Deborah Cox, David Withers, John Coleman, Martyn Ward, Paul Hagon and Claire Waldron bring a wealth of expertise from across the turf, facilities and consultancy sectors. The appointments reaffirm the GMA’s mission of strengthening support for the grounds management industry and elevating standards.
Geoff Webb, GMA Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome an exceptional group of professionals to the GMA Board of Directors. Each new member brings a unique set of skills and extensive industry knowledge which will help the GMA to support and advance the grounds management industry.
“Their expertise will be instrumental as we continue to elevate standards across the industry such as our educational programmes and strengthen our support for members. I’m confident that their contributions will help us to not only tackle industry challenges but also to seize new opportunities for growth and development.”
Deborah Cox, Managing Director at Lagan Valley Scientific, leads on advising turf managers and agronomists globally. 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.
David Withers, Managing Director at ISEKI UK & Ireland, 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.
John Coleman, Managing Director at Advanced Turf Technology Ltd, also founded the company, growing it into a multi‑million‑pound business whose designs are used by top global sports organisations. A named inventor on multiple patents, John’s expertise in product innovation and strategic growth will be instrumental in shaping the GMA’s future direction.
Martyn Ward, Partner at Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP, 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.
Paul Hagon, Partner at Ward and Hagon Management Consulting LLP, 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.
Claire Waldron, Senior Facilities Planning Manager at the Football Foundation, 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.
The GMA would also like to express its gratitude to Carol Doran, Adrian Kay and Dr. Peter Grant who will be stepping down from the Board. Their contributions have been invaluable, and the association thanks them for their service to the Board and the industry.
“We are incredibly grateful to Carol, Adrian and Peter for the invaluable contributions they have made to the GMA and the wider grounds management industry,” said Geoff.
“Their expertise and insights have played a vital role in shaping the direction of our association and driving our mission. On behalf of the GMA community, we extend our thanks and wish them every success.”
