Our Team

  • Simon Champ - Founder

    30 years of experience raising equity and debt finance.
    Former Founder and CEO of FTSE 250 listed investment trust P2PGI and co-founder of Liberum investment bank.

  • Rupert Taylor - CEO

    23 years experience in equity and debt capital markets both raising finance and investing in assets. Experience founding and scaling businesses to exit.

  • Paolo Toffolo - COO

    Padel / Tennis 5yrs+ experience developing pupils at Academy in Spain. Founded & ran European multi sports tours & events business for 15 years.

  • Carson Russell - Chief Sports Officer

    Over 30 years in sport including playing first-class rugby alongside a career with Hays PLC. Former CEO of London Scottish RFC and a level 3 qualified RFC coach with international experience.

  • Jo Buchanan Smith - NED

    20 years as a consultant to governing bodies developing infrastructure at sporting events.
    Former UK Development officer for Playtomic the industry’s leading booking app.

  • JJ Tait - Operations

    Established the first Padel focused business in Scotland in 2014.
    12 years experience managing Edinburgh Sports & Padel club.

  • Patrick Neville - Real Estate

    30 years as a surveyor, adding finance and restructuring skills at RBS and DTZ, before founding RED in 2012 and serving as an outsourced real estate function to numerous corporates.

  • Jessica Windsor - Marketing & Communications

    10 years of experience working within marketing, communications and PR.

    Contact: jessica@smashpadel.co

  • Miguel Caramalho - Padel Development Manager

    Holds a bachelor's degree in Sports Science and also earned a Master's Degree in Sports Training. Over 6 years dedicated to coaching, recognised by the Portuguese Padel Federation and is an active member of the British Padel Coaches Association.