Management on the Move

Textron Golf, Turf and Specialty Products, the Ipswich-based manufacturer of turf maintenance equipment, have announced that Peter Bell will be leaving the company with effect from 26th April 2002.

Peter is moving to take up the position of general manager of Ardex UK Ltd, a manufacturer of industrial adhesives and sealants based in Haverhill, Suffolk.

Steve Chicken, the new managing director of Textron, Ipswich on making the announcement commented, “The business will miss Peter’s leadership qualities and his drive. He has made a major contribution to the business over the years, firstly as managing director of the Jacobsen EZGO Textron company in Kettering and then latterly in Ipswich in both sales director and marketing director roles.

“He will also be missed within the golf and turf industry for his business acumen, commitment to new product development and his support for training and best practice initiatives.

“We wish Peter, his wife June and their family every success in the future and thank him sincerely for his contribution over the years.”

Golf Marketing Services Ltd (GMS) has announced that Phil Craghill is to join the company as a director with effect from April 29th, 2002.

Craghill, presently commercial manager for IPC's sports titles Golf Monthly, Women and Golf, Rugby World, Shoot and World Soccer, teams up with GMS founders, Colin Callander and Neil Gray, in what the founders claim is one of the fastest growing pr and marketing companies operating within the game of golf in the UK.

GMS was formed on 2nd January 2002 and has already established a strong portfolio of clients including PING Europe, PING Collection (a division of Umbro), Golf Pride Softspikes, Aldila, QLink, Carnoustie Hotel & Resort and Reed Exhibition Companies. The company also handles the promotional work for several prestigious golf events, including the Volvo PGA Championship, the Volvo Masters and the inaugural International Collegiate tournament to be staged in St Andrews this autumn.

"We are delighted with the business we have built up over the last few months and feel sure that Phil will help us to expand it further," said Gray. "Certainly, he has a wealth of experience, not just in golf but also in other sports that we might want to target in the future."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working for IPC but felt it was time for a change," said Craghill. "GMS is a company that has made a lot of progress in a short period of time and I'd like to think I can contribute its continued growth."