Our Team

  • Simon Champ - Founder

    30 years of experience raising equity and debt finance. Former Founder and CEO of FTSE 250 listed investment trust P2PGI and co-founder of Liberum investment bank.

  • Rupert Taylor - CEO

    23 years of experience in equity and debt capital markets, both raising finance and investing in assets. Also has experience founding and scaling businesses to exit.

  • Carson Russell - Chief Commercial Officer

    30+ years in sport including playing first-class rugby alongside a career with Hays PLC. Former CEO of London Scottish RFC and a level 3 qualified RFC coach.

  • Marcus Ballyn - Operating Manager

    30+ years in the leisure and hospitality industry in UK, India and the Middle East. Played top level in a number of sports and had the privilege to represent England in hockey. Managed the opening of the UK’s largest padel centre.

  • Jessica Windsor - Marketing & Communications

    10+ years of experience in marketing, communications and PR in the UK & Asia. Contact: jessica@smashpadel.co

  • Miguel Caramalho - Padel Development Manager

    Master's Degree in Sports Trainin and 7+ years dedicated to coaching, recognised by the Portuguese Padel Federation and an active member of the British Padel Coaches Association.

  • Patrick Neville - Real Estate

    30+ years as a surveyor, adding finance and restructuring skills at RBS and DTZ, before founding RED in 2012 and serving as an outsourced real estate function to numerous corporates.

  • Jo Buchanan Smith - NED

    20+ years as a consultant to governing bodies developing infrastructure at sporting events. Former UK Development officer for Playtomic.

  • JJ Tait - NED

    Established the first Padel focused business in Scotland in 2014. 12 years experience managing Edinburgh Sports & Padel club.

Meet the Team at