Garry majored in modern languages and translation and holds an MA in Translation Studies, as well as a Master in European Affairs. He first became interested in the localization industry during his studies at Brussels University and attended the first Localization Summer School at the LRC in Limerick. After gaining experience as a freelance translator while studying for his degree, Garry gained first-hand knowledge of the localization industry in 2000 when he joined a Munich-based LSP as a Project Manager. Since then, he has held positions in project management, operations management, and is now Business Unit Director of one of SDL's global services divisions.

Garry has lived, studied and worked in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Italy and speaks Dutch, German and Italian. He is also a member of The Institute of Localization Professionals (TILP) and regularly contributes to popular industry publications with articles on best practices and the use of technology in localization.

When he's not working, Garry can often be found working up a sweat on the tennis courts or 'going ape' on tree-top adventure courses!

While on holiday this summer I picked up a magazine with an article on why everyone should create a personal vision statement. Readers were asked to list the 10 things that they would most enjoy doing if they didn't have to work. It got me thinking about alternatives to localization and I quickly realized that I couldn't imagine not working within this exciting industry.

Throughout my career, I have been focused on adding value to the companies that I have worked for and their customers. The biggest value has always been created in partnerships, which I have always greatly enjoyed and would like to continue within GALA.

I offer a number of skills and experience that I would like to share, including:

Technical skills: hands-on experience with virtually all current TM/CAT/software localization tools (desktop and enterprise), as well as a good knowledge of authoring solutions, content management systems and integrations, and publishing systems.

Managerial skills: managing a team of over 30 full-time staff in one of SDL's business units, including production disciplines, as well as client and account relationships. I have full P&L responsibility for my division and like the GALA members am continuously looking for operational efficiencies.

Knowledge of best practices and broad industry experience: a thorough knowledge of localization production (including translation, DTP, software engineering, testing, etc), process automation, and tailoring to unique client requirements. Various hands-on roles ranging from a freelance translator to a divisional director has given me a broad yet in-depth perspective of the industry today.

An often common trait of many localization professionals is that they are very passionate about their work. In a very competitive industry, this passion does not always transfer into activities that give something back and take the industry forward for all players - large and small. If I am elected to the GALA board, I foresee working with a focus on advancing the interests of the association, its members, and the industry that I love.