Our Team - Product and Sales Managers

Mike Ford - Baseball, Softball and Rounders

Mike joined Ransome Sporting Goods in 2007 after a background of working in a sports retail environment. Mike is the specialist baseball and softball sales manager, having played the sports extensively in his university days. Since then his knowledge has been strengthened by working closely with Louisville Slugger and Baden brands before adding the Wilson brand to our range. He has been responsible for the development of the Bronx baseball brand and the Sure Shot Rounders range. 

Mike's experience in the sport has developed further after working for several years for the company with the national governing body, Baseball & Softball UK as well as many members of the baseball and softball community. Part of Mike's role is to attend baseball and softball events around the UK representing the Louisville Slugger and Baden brands.

Katherine Coates - Racket Sports

Katherine joined the company in October 2021 having completed a masters degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the Sheffield Hallam University - achieving a merit.  

Initially beginning as the Product Manager for Squash, Tennis and Racketball before being promoted to Product Manager for all Racket Sports. Her role includes dealing directly with both Victor and Forza - two of the biggest brands in Badminton. Part of the role also includes managing the sponsorship side of the brands and dealing directly with some of the top players in the UK. She also handles the relationship between Badminton Association, including Badminton England and Badminton Scotland, and Ransome Sporting Goods.

Andy Wilson – Basketball and Netball

Andy Wilson joined the company in May 2021 and has worked in a number of departments across the business giving him a great knowledge of how all departments. His work was rewarded in July 2022 by promotion to the Basketball and Netball Product Manager. 

Part of Andy's role is to attend Basketball England and British Basketball League events representing the Sure Shot and Baden brands. Andy maintains a keen interest in a number of sports, particularly basketball, tennis and table tennis.

Gaynor Rodgers joined the company in November 2021 beginning in an administrative role before gaining a promotion to the Product Manager for Games Tables and Gymnastics.

Gaynor previously worked for many years in a similar role as a category manager for a major racket sports online retailer where she looked after tennis and hockey - bringing these key skills to Ransome Sporting Goods. Her work involves dealing directly with the British Foosball Association with whom Ransome Sporting Goods has a strong relationship.