In the latest entry in a regular series where we introduce you to a member of the GCMA team and find out a little more about them, this week it’s the turn of Marketing and Communications Executive Mark Shanley
Describe your current role
As the Marketing and Communications Executive for the GCMA, I manage the association’s daily marketing needs, including coordinating digital assets and executing diverse marketing campaigns. I support the promotion of GCMA services and events, provide news and information to our members, helping to foster a sense of community within our association.
Tell us about your career to date
Before joining the GCMA, I worked predominantly within the sports industry. Most recently, I was part of Bet365’s marketing department, where I contributed to both global and region-specific marketing campaigns. Prior to that, I worked at Scarlets Rugby back in my homeland of Wales as a Marketing and Commercial Associate.
What are your key priorities for 2024 in your job?
My key priority for 2024 is to alleviate the day-to-day marketing workload from the rest of the team, allowing them to spend more of their time focusing on their direct areas and improve the service of the association. As the new year rolls around, I’ll be looking to modernise our communications to provide a better experience for our members.
What does the GCMA mean to you?
As the leading association for Golf Club Managers, the GCMA for me resonates as the “go to” destination for managers looking for support, career development and networking opportunities. For me it sits on a similar level to that of the PGA for Golf Pros, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to start my journey into the golf industry (aside from being an extremely mediocre golfer!).
What is your message to GCMA members?
Be prepared for far more content across all our channels! I’ll be working hard to bring great content from meetings, roadshows and partners which I hope is of interest!
Tell us one thing your colleagues don’t know about you
In University I raced Go-Karts at the British University Karting Championship, meaning I am the holder of an FIA race license and can race various disciplines.
Your favourite sports team and why
Despite being Welsh, I am a Plymouth Argyle fan due to family ties to the area. That experience can best be described as a rollercoaster for my emotions, with apparently far more downs than ups. In at a close second is the Welsh Rugby team, which basically means on the whole, I’m normally not celebrating when it comes to sport.
Your favourite thing to do at the weekend
As a bit of a sport fanatic, my weekend normally starts with a Parkrun, 18 holes in the afternoon and polished off with a trip to the pub with some mates or heading off to a gig.
