The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has welcomed two new directors to its senior leadership team as the association embarks on what it desribes as a period of investment for growth.

L-R; Sarah Cunningham and Andrea McMahon

With the support of its chairman and board, the GMA has appointed Sarah Cunningham as director of commercial & events and Andrea McMahon as the new director of communications. Both will play a key role in delivering the association’s strategy.

Sarah has spent over a decade managing large-scale trade events primarily in the media industry and within not-for-profit organisations, previously working for the association in an interim capacity to support the return of SALTEX in 2021. The GMA says Sarah’s experience and leadership will add value to the team delivering SALTEX, as well as helping to extend the GMA’s products and services to those operating in and with the sector.

Andrea brings multi-sector communications experience to the association having held senior communications roles in high-profile public and not-for-profit organisations, including in a membership trade association, central government departments and law enforcement organisations having previously spent over a decade in the private sector. THe GMA says Andrea will help them to reach new audiences and raise the profile of the contribution made by volunteers and professionals who make sport possible at grassroots, amateur and elite level.

GMA CEO, Geoff Webb said, “We’re delighted to have Sarah and Andrea join the GMA family. They both have extensive experience in their fields and will be a great addition to the team.

"With almost all stands already taken and industry colleagues embracing a return to normality post-pandemic, we are seeing signs that SALTEX 2022 will be busier than the 2021 show and provide the perfect opportunity to showcase our sector, network, and celebrate those working in it. With the return of other events, like the GMA Industry Awards, we look forward to building on the success of 2021 and working towards creating a better future for the grounds care sector.”