Our Board
‘We’re powerful when we work together’ is a motto that runs through the heart of GMS Group.
Our partnerships are built on a basis of mutual respect, openness and trust.
We believe in teamwork; valuing everyone’s contribution to make sure we deliver on our promises.
GMS Directors
Neil Male – CEO
Neil started his career as a professional football player at Torquay United. A series of back and knee injuries ended his career early at just 19, leaving Neil without a career path. Following a short period working for HSBC, Neil joined GMS Security in 2000 and was quickly promoted through the ranks; his natural talent in leadership gained from being captain on the football field saw him become CEO in August 2005.
Over the past 15 years, Neil has led and evolved GMS to become the leading security specialist in the Midlands, with a turnover of £14m and over 500 employees. Following a series of MBO’s Neil and his wife Emma now wholly own the GMS Group. Neil has been widely recognised for his business achievements, most recently being named Transformational Leader at the West Midlands Leadership Awards, as well as been named one of Grant Thornton’s 100 Faces of a Vibrant Economy in 2018.
In 2019 joined the board of local mental health charity Kaleidoscope and has recently been announced as the new Interim CEO of Kidderminster Harriers FC.
Andy Male – Director
Andy also started out his career as a Professional football player but a serious knee injuries put an end to his career in 1998.
Andy established a career in the Utility sector and gained invaluable extensive knowledge working for some of the top utility providers in the UK. During the 8 years working in the sector Andy attained a key understanding of sector related governance and compliance. He also gained qualifications in Project and Change Management, becoming qualified in Six Sigma and Prince2.
In 2007 Andy and his brother Neil launched GMS Recovery Services, a business offering a unique and bespoke viewpoint on collection of debts within the utility industry. They have also extended this knowledge into the Utility Management sector, offering independent advice to commercial and consumer markets on Utility related issues.
Andy who lives in Dudley, West Midlands, with his wife and two children still retains his passion for football being a keen Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter.
Rachel Freeman – HR Director
Rachel joined GMS in 2007 as Business Development Manager after working in similar positions at Canon and Crown Records Management. Rachel excelled in this role and progressed to Group Sales Director helping secure some of GMS’s major clients. In 2015 Rachel moved into the role of HR Director and with support from the business has completed Level 7 Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Human Resource Management.
Rachel enjoys reading and is a massive Strictly fan.
Andrea Ryall – Finance Director
Andrea joined GMS Group in November 2008 as Accounts Assistant and quickly gained a knowledge of the sector and excelled within the accounts department. With continued investment and commitment from the company and with the desire to learn and achieve Andrea progressed into the role of Finance Director. The role within finance is very varied and challenging at times but Andrea finds this enjoyable and rewarding.
Andrea lives locally in Bromsgrove with her two children, who are keen swimmers. Andrea enjoys most sports and has a keen interest in Birmingham City and watching her girls swim!
Simon Williams – Operations Director
Since leaving the British Army, Simon has been in the security industry since 2005, and he joined GMS in 2017. Since then, he has achieved numerous milestones, including successfully managing our flagship operation with an automotive customer for over five years, implementing our first contract within the aggregate and concrete industry, and delivering outstanding results at the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham in 2022. Simon was promoted to his current role as Operations Director in June 2024.
Lisa Nicholson – Commercial Director
Lisa joined GMS in early 2018 after working with us for a number of years in her previous employment and seeing the business go from strength to strength, decided she wanted to use her skills to help us grow the business even further. Lisa has 10 years’ experience in the recruitment sector, followed by 8 years with a local Chamber of Commerce and has always been responsible for business development strategy, client relationships, understanding businesses and tailoring solutions to meet their needs and has a wide network of expertise.
Lisa lives in Wolverhampton and has two sons who are still quite young so she spends most of her spare time visiting local farms, parks and indoor play centres!
