Gill Wilson, sometime deputy CEO of the LET, moderator of the KPMG Golf Business Forum, golf course owner and innovator, has returned to the world of recruitment and her first assignment has been successfully completed.
Gill Wilson says: “I have recently embarked on a bespoke headhunting business – spurred on by Bruce Glasco of Troon Golf, who called me out of the blue to see if I could recommend a Director of Marketing and Sales EMEA. I leapt at the opportunity and was successful in finding a candidate.
“My first career was in recruitment when I owned a group of agencies in the Home Counties of England for 20+ years and had been thinking about ‘re-inventing myself,’ capitalising on all the VIP contacts I’ve made over the later years in the golf industry.”
Bruce Glasco, Managing Director, Senior Vice President Troon Golf Europe, Middle East, & Africa, says: “Discretion was top of my list when looking to make the appointment. The need to manage the expectations of a number of different clients within the region made it essential that I could make the appointment so that there could be a seamless transition from the previous incumbent without causing uncertainty. Gill handled the process efficiently and effectively and presented a candidate who clearly met my brief.”
And from the successful candidate comes this: “I have known Gill for over 20 years so when she asked me about the role at Troon Golf I knew that it was something to take seriously. She would not have approached me unless she felt the ‘fit’ would be good for both parties. She was very professional throughout the process and I’m certainly enjoying the job!”
So says Ian Bulleid, newly appointed Director of Sales and Marketing • Troon Golf Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Gill Wilson can be contacted via gill@gillwilson.co.uk
Here she tells GBN.com more about her new venture…
GW: “I am no stranger to the Business of Golf but, believe it or not, don’t play the game. However, that is not because I haven’t had the opportunity to do so, I certainly have. My recent position as managing director of a golf club and conference centre in the UK gave me both insight and practical experience in all aspects of golf operations from stimpmeters to sales, memberships to multi-generational golf, putting to performance.
“And the performance of staff in this environment, as in any business, can make or break. Strategic vision and good leadership at the top are key qualities in the multi faceted world of golf and leisure operations.”
GBN.com: “You say that you don’t actually play golf. Why?”
GW: “Well, there never did seem the time to actually get out there and play: or I should I rephrase that? There never did seem to be enough time go get out and play. And not enough time to play is a major issue for so many golfers these days, a subject debated by some of the greatest golfing influencers of our time, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Annika Sorenstam to name but a few.
“Through my work over the past eight years as a moderator and speaker at some of the most influential business golf conferences in the world the APGS, KPMG Golf Business Forum, EGCOA and PGA’s of Europe I have been privileged to be part of these debates about Growing the Game, Affordable, Accessible and Sustainable Golf: and oh my, have I met, worked and built business relationships with some dynamic movers and shakers on the way.
“Not only that, as the deputy CEO of the Ladies European Tour (LET) I have been to many of the most magnificent golfing facilities in the world alongside some of the best international players including Laura Davies and the European Solheim Cup team. But again I was not there to play golf. My role was on the other side of the ropes, concentrating on helping to build the business side of the women’s game working alongside big brands such as, American Express, McDonalds, Evian, Marriott and many tourist boards where golf is high on the agenda of governments who recognize the positive socio/economic impact golf and tourism can bring.”
GBN.com: “So why embark as a headhunter?”
GW: “Well, recruitment is in my blood. My early career was as the owner of a group of successful employment agencies in the south east of England. I know that the time is right for me to bring my years of experience to bear within the golf industry working with the very best in the industry. Successful companies don’t leave their recruitment to chance. They understand that good people can immediately add to their bottom line. But how do they find and target those good people who are not actively looking? Use Gill Wilson, a bespoke headhunter.”
GBN.com: “What do you mean by bespoke?”
GW: “I simply mean a custom made personal service to the client. Headhunting at a high level for an organisation demands confidentiality as a given and expert advice on one of the most important decisions a company has to make. Business is built on relationships, not contact lists. The significance of hiring the right person for key management positions cannot be understated. By using Gill Wilson, you will deal with me from start to finish, I will listen, give honest appraisals and you will benefit by knowing that you are getting a uniquely personal recruitment service specializing in supplying exceptional individuals.”
GBN.com: “What in particular do you offer to your clients?”
GW: “I have a wealth of experience and a passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the development not only of the game but the people that are on the other side of the ropes, the golf and leisure operators. Our industry demands the very best quality staff to continue spearheading growth and meeting and exceeding the expectations of past, current and future golfers of any age. I understand the quality of staff required to give results. I am a people person – with a knack of recognising how candidates will fit in. Gill Wilson is a bespoke headhunter successfully delivering results based on business relationships, not contact lists.
“My extensive knowledge of the sector combined with intuition and strategic vision mean that I am perfectly placed to offer a bespoke headhunting service to find the right candidate both culturally and professionally for key management positions in the commercial golf arena.”
GBN.com: “Thank you, Gill, we wish you every success in your new venture.