Gareth Davies

Managing Director of KSDL

Gareth started his career as a Sales and Marketing Graduate at Scottish & Newcastle Brewers, before becoming Senior Brand Manager for Old Speckled Hen.

In 1997 Gareth moved into the Sport and Leisure industry where he has spent the last 20 years. During this time Gareth has held the following positions:

• Head of Sports Marketing for Reebok UK: In this role Gareth oversaw contracts ranging from Liverpool F.C. and Ryan Giggs, to the Welsh Rugby Union and U.K. Athletics.
• CEO of Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club: Here, Gareth oversaw the clubs victories in the Super League Grand Final and the World Club Championship.
• M.D of the Scarlets Rugby Union Club: Gareth helped to manage the build and oversaw the transition into the new 15,000 seat stadium – Parc y Scarlets.

Now Managing Director of KSDL, at The John Smith’s Stadium, Gareth oversees what is already a fascinating mixed sport and leisure business and is planning a further major leisure development – The HD One!

Ian Simpson

General Manager, Kudos

Ian has worked in the Hospitality and Events Industry throughout his career, dividing his time equally between four and five star Hotels and Stadia.

Following his education at Salford Technology College, Ian gained his City and Guilds 703 and Higher National Diploma (HND) in catering and hospitality. In 1984 he completed his Hotel Catering & International Management qualification (HCIMA).

• Management Trainee for Former InterContinental hotels – In this role Ian pursued a career in the busy banqueting departments of Frankfurt and Geneva, daily servicing up to 1,300 guests.
• Sommelier in the Infamous ‘Peter Kromberg’ Le Soufflé 1* Michelin star restaurant – Ian moved into various middle management positions for the group, overseeing a replacement budget of £250,000 in 1982 for china glass and cutlery. He became Assistant Coffee Shop Manager and went onto win ‘The Times Coffee shop of the year ’86’.
• Restaurant Manager at The Midland Hotel – In 1987 Ian re located to Manchester to re-open the ‘Midland Hotel’ as Assistant Conference and Banqueting Manager.

In 2000 Ian moved into Stadia, for Everton Football Club as Assistant Manager of Hospitality and Events.  In 2010 he attained the position of General Manager, moving over to join The John Smith’s Stadium in November 2015.

David Stewart-Pybus

Head Chef

David started his career, working in Manchester, around the many hotels and restaurants. He has worked at Manchester United and Manchester City FC.

In 2003 he started as the sous chef at Manchester City FC. Overseeing the conference and events side of the business, and helping run production for match day hospitality.

As a freelance chef he has worked on the event circuit on large events, including the gold cup at Cheltenham race course, royal Ascot and the grand prix at Silverstone

In 2009 he started as Head chef at Goldsborough Hall in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire where his success led him to win the coveted ‘Chef of the Year’ award at the annual Harrogate Business Awards.

In 2013 Dave began working at The John Smith’s Stadium and has been head chef here for the last two years. In this time he has worked with both the clubs to produce and deliver menus for match days as well as run and oversee the kitchen for the conference and events business that is held at The Stadium.

Nicola McLoughlin

Sales Executive, Kudos

Nicola is our go to person for all things events and meetings.

Her extensive experience spans through the  hotel and restaurant industry,  and she will help you find the right space and solution to ensure whatever the occasion, we will exceed your expectations.

We are sure you will be meeting her soon out and about the town, and feel free to call and find out how we can help you.

Sally Ford

Sales Manager, Kudos

We are very excited to welcome our new sales manager, Sally Ford in joining the team. Sally will be responsible for growing the non match day business for the stadium. We have some fantastic meeting and event spaces and she will be reaching out to businesses and private users alike to tell all about how we can work with you for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, proms, fine dining, Christmas parties and also our brand new themed evenings!

Sally has a strong background in sales and developing key relationships within  the local business  community. She loves nothing more than meeting new people and after week one, can’t wait to be coming out to meet you all soon to see how she can bring your events to The John Smith’s Stadium.