European Leaders

So who is RCD?

 

Mat Shaylor – Construction DirectorMat

Mat Shaylor and the world’s finest ropes courses are synonymous. He has been involved with RCD from the very early days and before becoming a director of RCD was the longest serving RCD Construction Manager.  RCD's success can largely be attributed to Mat, whose attention to detail and a desire to please the customer sets him apart from all others.  He has a string of relevant and appropriate qualifications.

 

Mat’s father built one of the very first ropes courses in the UK and so Mat was actively involved from an early age in the construction, maintenance and inspection of the facility and with assisting in the running of programmes.

 

Mat has been fundamental in the construction of some 500 RCD ropes courses and is widely considered to be the worlds leading expert in ropes course construction. He lives in Hampshire (when he is not building ropes courses!).

 

 

Chris Proud – General ManagerChris

Chris has been involved with the outdoor industry for over 10 years and brings a wealth of operational, managerial and technical skills to the RCD team.

 

Having started out as an outdoor Instructor, Chris has progressed through the ranks and has been involved in many different aspects of the outdoor industry including the training and development of staff, design and maintenance of activity equipment and marketing and sales.

 

This experience combined with his passion and enthusiasm for the high ropes industry helps RCD to create a safe, enjoyable and beneficial experience for each and every participant.

 

When he is not at work he likes to travel and explore new places, however he still says that one of his favourite areas is the magnificent Dorset coast and countryside where he lives with his family.

 

 

Johann

Johann Fourie – Construction Manager
Johann Fourie is South African but we do not hold that against him! Johann has a tremendous aptitude for ropes course construction and has been responsible for managing the construction team since 1999.  He has an intimate knowledge of all RCD products and has the greatest regard for all matters of Health and Safety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donna

Donna Parks – Office Manager
Donna provides the vital link between those in the field and the office team.  She is invariably the main point of contact in the office and has many years experience in the outdoor and related industries.  Donna was involved with Operation Raleigh in its formative years.  She has worked for the National Trust in Wales, as a ski resort manager in the French Alps and administratively for Mountain Tracks (link) a specialised mountain adventure company. Donna has two children.