Peter Driver retires from Ransomes Jacobsen today after 16 years’ involvement with the company’s PR and marketing.
Before becoming directly employed by Ransomes Jacobsen in 2007, Peter was working with Command Publicity, who were the external Marketing and PR agency for Ransomes Jacobsen during the previous seven years. He began his career in marketing in 1988 as a studio manager in a design agency, before migrating to a PR role in 1995.
A well-known character throughout the industry, Peter was previously responsible for all PR for Jacobsen globally. More recently, following the employment of a PR specialist in Charlotte to cover the Americas, he has recently focused on Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Pacific Rim and South America territories. He has travelled extensively and has many industry contacts around the globe.
Peter says, “At Command we won the Marketing and PR account just after the coming together of the two businesses in 1999. It was a trial for everyone involved, but the dust eventually settled and we came through it. As I began to establish credibility with the media, it became a lot easier and over the years there are many editors that I look upon as friends, rather than industry colleagues.
“I’ve always loved the shows and exhibitions; they’re always hectic for the marketing department and we’ve had some great times at SALTEX in Windsor and BTME in Harrogate, where you really appreciate the camaraderie that’s endemic in this business. Long days building the show stands, long days manning the stand during the show, long nights entertaining clients after the show, followed by a flurry of intense activity to get everything dismantled and off site as soon as possible. Yes, it’s hard work, but hugely enjoyable.
“Some memorable moments include a visit to South Africa and writing the feature article about Legends golf course with a helicopter ride up the Hanglip mountain to the tee on the special 19th hole. Being involved with the introduction of the Future Turf Managers’ Initiative, helping to shape what is becoming a global programme to educate deputy greenkeepers as they take the next step into course management. That gives me a buzz. The TV coverage over the past few years that included visits to our Ipswich manufacturing plant by Michael Portillo for his Great British Train Journeys programme and the separate visits by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and former Prime Minister David Cameron. Winning the TOCA international writing award last year for a feature article on Askernish, a lost golf course that was rediscovered on the Outer Hebrides.
“But my most memorable achievement is remaining employed after breaking managing director Alan Prickett’s ribs in several places during the company’s football tournament. And, we were both on the same side!
“Summing up my time in the industry is really very simple; it’s been a blast!”
Publisher of GBN.com, Geoff Russell, comments, “I have known Peter throughout his 16 years in the business and have found him to be 100% reliable and helpful at all times. He will be greatly missed but we wish him and long and happy retirement.”