OUR TEAM

Richard Thornton

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Thornton is a highly experienced outdoor educator and leader, with over 30 years of experience heading some of the world’s largest outdoor education providers.

As the former Chair of Outdoors Victoria, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Belgravia Outdoor Education. Previously, he chaired AIAAC, the UK’s lead body for safety in adventure activities, demonstrating his commitment to safety and excellence in the field of outdoor education.

Belinda O’brien

General Manager Camps

Belinda is an experienced venue manager with over 13 years of leadership in site management with a strong background in sales and event management, she combines operational expertise with a commitment to delivering high-quality, memorable experiences for students, teachers, and community groups.

Belinda is known for her ability to build high-performing teams, optimise site operations, and cultivate strong client relationships that support growth and long-term partnerships.

Her leadership style focuses on safety, service excellence, and creating environments where young people can thrive through outdoor learning.

Tammy Lovett

General Manager WA

Tammy brings over 15 years of experience in Outdoor Education, with an international career spanning Asia, Europe, and Australia. Beginning in India, she built a strong foundation in delivering culturally diverse outdoor experiences, before moving into senior leadership roles in the UK and Australia.

As General Manager WA, Tammy provides strategic leadership across the state, overseeing operations to ensure safe, high-quality, and impactful programs. She is focused on organisational performance and long-term growth, and is committed to strengthening partnerships, and driving continuous improvement.

Andrew Watts

Head of Risk and Training

Andrew Watts is a senior education leader with over 25 years’ experience across vocational and outdoor education. As Head of Risk and Training at BOE, he is known for building values‑led cultures, strengthening governance and safety frameworks, and leading teams through change.

With a strong background in stakeholder engagement and workforce development, Andrew takes a people‑first approach that aligns purpose with performance. Outside work, he enjoys alpine adventures with his family and a round of golf when time allows.

Tim Grutzner

Head of Partnerships

Tim Grutzner brings over 20 years of outdoor education experience, including more than a decade of working with highly regarded Government, Independent, and Catholic schools across Victoria.

His expertise in delivering tailored outdoor education programs has made him a valuable asset to Belgravia Outdoor Education. Tim’s dedication to creating impactful and customised outdoor experiences ensures that students receive the highest quality outdoor education.

Lizzy Pugh

Head of Delivery

Lizzy brings 18 years of experience in Outdoor Education, beginning her career in the US camp environment before moving into leadership roles across the sector. As Head of Delivery, she is recognised for her strong people leadership, her ability to build meaningful professional relationships, and her consistent commitment to high-quality program delivery.

Throughout her career, Lizzy has developed expertise in managing teams, guiding staff through complex operational environments, and ensuring that every program is delivered with integrity and care. Known for her adaptability, she is equally capable of strategic oversight as she is of facilitating engaging activities at a moment’s notice.

Donelle Atkins

Finance Manager

Donelle Atkins is a Finance Manager with extensive experience across multi-entity and project-based environments. She brings a strong focus on financial clarity, cash flow management, and business partnering, working closely with operational teams to support sustainable growth.

Donelle is passionate about making finance accessible and practical, helping teams make informed decisions that support both performance and purpose.

Geoff Lord, Chairman and CEO Belgravia Group

Geoff’s career started in 1965 with the Ford Motor Company. In 1973 he joined Henry Jones IXL and in 1978 was promoted to the Board.

He was a Director of several companies associated with the Elders Group until 1992 including Elders IXL and Foster’s Brewing. In 1985 Geoff started a new public company known as Elders Resources Limited and was appointed Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman.

In 1990 Geoff retired from Elders Resources going into business for himself creating the Belgravia Group, a privately owned investment group. Belgravia employs some 10,000 people today. He is also Chairman or Director of several public listed companies including Ex-Chairman and Founder of UXC Limited – Australia’s largest IT Services Company.

His Sporting passion is demonstrated through his companies and his continued involvement with Sport, including: Director/Chairman of Hawthorn Football Club from 1986 to 1994 (Life Member) (4 premierships; Founder & Chairman of Melbourne Victory 2004 – 2010 (Life Member) (2 Premierships).

Owner of Belgravia Group, Including Belgravia Leisure (200 + centres); Genesis Health and Fitness Clubs (70 + gyms), Novofit, JUMP! Swim Schools (65+ locations) Australian Sports Camps, Sports Community, Belgravia Kids, Belgravia Apparel, Bizwear Corporate Clothing, Profile Corporate Clothing (NZ).

Education: MBA (Distinction) (Melbourne), BEc (Hons) (Monash), FIDA, ASIA

Alex Lord, Executive Director Belgravia Activities

Alex Lord has over a decade’s experience in the service industry, with management roles for Hilton Hotels in Japan. Alex joined Belgravia Health and Leisure Group in 2007, consolidating his skills in a management traineeship across multiple business units (including Belgravia Leisure and Genesis Health Clubs) which now provides a solid foundation to his current executive position.

Alex is proud of Belgravia Health and Leisure Group’s heritage as an Australian family owned business and equally of his part in the Group’s founding family. To date, Alex has streamlined Belgravia Leisure’s head office support for our centres, strengthening our quality, risk and environmental systems, procurement and retail processes, human resources and IT services.

Brett Nicholson, Group Financial Controller Belgravia Group

Brett joined the Group in 2001 and is responsible for coordinating the finances of the Group and ensuring Company Secretarial matters are adequately disclosed.