Our team
Our executive team is based at our head office in Sheffield, UK and is responsible for the strategic development and delivery of our mission.
Andrew Busby
Chief Executive Officer
Andrew assumed the role of CEO in September 2023. Prior to this he held the role of Head of Partnerships for 8.5 years, having joined the organisation in 2015. With 20 years’ commercial business development experience, Andrew’s thrived in developing income-generating activities and partnerships with organisations who aligned to our mission; and strengthened our presence and expanded our work with global partners. His passion and commitment has proven his capabilities of taking the lead of the Kings Active Foundation, ensuring the organisation continues to be represented excellently.
Lynda Rands
Chief Financial Officer
Having previously worked in various commercial Financial Controller roles, including the adult training sector, Lynda joined us in 2012, and quickly progressed to the role she holds today of Chief Financial Officer. In addition to her financial responsibilities, Lynda acts as Company Secretary and our Ofsted Nominated Individual. Lynda’s two children have been avid attendees of Kings Camps over the years, with her eldest completing the Rookie Academy and now an infamous Red Top!
Sophie Machent
Head of Recruitment & Compliance
A Sheffield University alum, Sophie started her Kings journey in 2012 in our Membership Team. Sophie moved into our Staff Recruitment and Compliance function, and quickly progressed to lead our efforts to recruiting and onboarding over 700 seasonal staff annually, and all within our safer-recruitment framework.
Isabel Hughes
Head of Operations and Partnerships
Izzi started with Kings as a multi-sports coach and progressed to Site Manager whilst at University. After graduating, she delivered children’s programmes on Cruise Ships, and then accepted a permanent role as Programme Coordinator. She has progressed her career with Kings, now as Head of Operations and Partnerships and is our Lead Safeguarding Officer.
Our Board of Trustees are volunteers that have ultimate responsibility for governing and directing how we are managed and run.
Jane Fardon (chair)
Jane has been a member of the board of trustees since 2012. She took on the role of chair in October 2023. She is the founder/director of a leadership consultancy, where she coaches teams and leaders on how to reach the next level in their performance and potential. Jane is also a mum to three adult children who in the past have enjoyed many Kings Camps. Jane and her husband are part of St Philips Church Sheffield.
Geoff Thompson OBE
Geoff was a Vice President of FIFA and UEFA with significant responsibilities and influence on world football. He was awarded the position of Honorary Membership of UEFA. Home is Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and Geoff always manages to keep involved with the development of Kings despite his demanding international schedule.
Christine Buxton
Christine has been involved with Kings since 2009 when she joined the board. She was appointed to the management team in 2011 as Head of Finance and Operations and was an integral part of the senior team for six years. Following a break, she rejoined Kings as part of the board in 2018. Christine is a chartered accountant with extensive senior management experience over 30 years in the manufacturing, service and charity sectors.
Rachel Brown
Joining the board in 2013, Rachel is a solicitor with over 25 years of experience in civil litigation. She recently retired to focus on caring responsibilities, and is a mum to three children who loved attending Kings Camps when growing up. Rachel is the board contact for safeguarding.
Get in touch
Whether you’re interested in joining us in our mission to get children active, or want to find out more about our work, please get in touch.
