Sami Strutt to leave BIGGA and join Bernhard

By Alistair January 7, 2024 09:57

Sami Strutt has been named as the new education director at the Bernhard Academy. Sami is currently the chief operating officer of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA).

Sami (née Collins), will depart the association next month. She joined BIGGA in 1993 as an administration assistant. Over the ensuing 30 years Sami rose through the organisation, being appointed chief operating officer in 2022.

In 2019, Sami was invited to officially open the Bernhard Academy at the company’s headquarters in Haverhill, Suffolk.

Sami said: “I have loved working for BIGGA and I anticipated spending my entire career with the association. Being able to have so much input into a business that I joined when I was so young was amazing, but I’m certain that this move is the right decision. This opportunity with the Bernhard Academy is one that I never imagined would be made available to me, so it is one that I couldn’t turn down. My certainty that this is the right decision is testament to what I have achieved with BIGGA, as the association has given me the experience and ability to take this next step.”

Jim Croxton, BIGGA chief executive, said: “When many people think of BIGGA, they think of Sami Strutt. She’s been a fundamental part of our team for over 30 years and has been at the heart of many of the things that are good about our association. She’s a hugely popular and important member of the BIGGA family and we’re disappointed to lose her, but thrilled that she’s got an opportunity to make her mark on the wider industry and one that will hopefully align with BIGGA’s strategic ambitions going forwards.

“I’m sad to lose a valued colleague but glad that we’ll still be in regular contact. She’s had a wonderful journey with BIGGA and I’m proud that the Bernhard Academy has chosen her to take on this key role.”