Absolute Golf Services Introduces New Managing Director
Bangkok-based Absolute Golf Services (AGS), one of Asia’s premier golf club management companies, is delighted to announce the appointment of leading industry professional James Shippey as its Managing Director with immediate effect, James previously held the position of Group Operations Director within AGS. He will be responsible for overseeing all AGS-managed clubs and expanding the company’s business in Southeast Asia in collaboration with its parent company Absolute Hotel Services (AHS).
The retirement of AGS Founder Justin Strachan made it imperative that a seasoned and reliable industry professional be brought in to chart and lead the way forward, and Strachan hand-picked Shippey for the task. His extensive knowledge of the industry and expertise in operating championship level golf clubs comes with a practical, hands-on style that yields consistently impressive financial performance for facility owners, and these skills are at the core of a vision for AGS to manage courses in ASEAN and beyond.
A British PGA Professional with an impeccable pedigree and over 20 years in club management, James held senior positions at some of the leading golf courses, resorts, and hotels throughout the Middle East and Africa, before joining AGS at the end of 2015 as the Group Operations Director. Over the last 18 months he has overseen the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Thana City’s golf course, clubhouse, and sports club facilities, and won management consultancy contracts with Nikanti Golf Club in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
They will be working in tandem with Absolute Hotel Services (AHS), one of the fastest growing hospitality management/branding companies in Asia with regional offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and now Europe. AHS boasts a rapidly-expanding portfolio of hotels, resorts and serviced residences under U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels. Resorts & Residences, Eastin Easy, Travelodge and Vienna House. This strategic alliance will enable easier access to established and emerging markets, enabling AGS to offer a comprehensive hospitality approach to its current and future clients.
“Having a person of James’ caliber is a real coup for us. James brings 20 years of high-end club management experience in the Middle-East and Africa with him and will be a definite asset to the leadership and management of clubs under the group’s umbrella. He will play a vital role in the continued success and regional development of our business and it is a genuine pleasure to have him aboard.” stated Jonathan Wigley, CEO of Absolute Hotel Services.
