We're pleased to officially welcome Ian Ayling as the new Managing Director of GDS.
Ian joins us with a strong global background in commercial and technical leadership, most recently serving as Chief Sales Officer at NOV and previously holding senior roles with Baker Hughes across a wide range of energy sectors - from subsea technologies to geoscience, and more recently, energy transition projects like offshore wind and biogas.
Ian lives in Wokingham with his wife and three adult children. Outside of work, he’s no stranger to pushing boundaries - last year he completed the Marathon des Sables, a legendary 250km ultra-marathon across the Sahara Desert. It’s often called the toughest footrace on Earth - requiring self-sufficiency, endurance, and serious mental grit.
This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for GDS as we continue to grow and innovate in geotechnical testing. We also extend sincere thanks to Karl Snelling, whose leadership over the past 17 years has helped shape the business into the success it is today. Karl will be taking on a new role as Head of Sales working closely alongside Clayton Dodd.
Karl commented:-
“I’d like to thank all GDS employees for their trust, dedication and commitment over the years – it has meant a great deal to me. I’m excited to welcome Ian and to have the opportunity in my new role to help him develop the next chapter for GDS. I can’t wait to get stuck in as Head of Sales and I will also maintain direct involvement in technical product development with brilliant experts like Nick Warren and Matteo Lascialfari.”
Ian commented:-
“I’m delighted to be joining GDS and I look forward to working with its talented team to define the next phases of growth as it delivers further value through its product and service innovations and its geotechnical expertise”.
Welcome aboard Ian.
