Paul Kamphuis is a distinguished figure in the synthetic sports surfacing industry, currently serving as the General Manager for Polytan Asia-Pacific and the Global Lead for Sport Group's hockey business. With a career spanning over two decades, Paul has been instrumental in the development and progression of the industry in Australia and globally. Paul has been responsible for the delivery of hockey turf surfaces for the past five Olympic Games. A passionate advocate for sustainability in sports surfacing, Paul spearheads utilisation of sustainability initiatives in artificial turf surfacing, including bio-based hockey turf for both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, whilst also reducing water consumption. Paul's expertise and dedication have earned him a reputation as a leading authority in the field, making significant contributions to the development of synthetic sports surfaces and the future of sport.

For over 25 years, Dr. Young has dedicated his career to advancing the science and technology of playing surfaces. After earning his PhD in turf and player testing at Loughborough University, an institution renowned for sports innovation, he embarked on a mission to improve fields, pitches, and leisure surfaces for athletes and communities worldwide. His early work focused on academic research, where he developed groundbreaking insights into turf performance and player testing. Building on these foundations, Dr. Young joined Labosport, a leading authority in testing and certification for sports surfaces, where he pioneered rigorous quality and safety standards. During his tenure, he led cross-functional teams to refine testing methodologies, championing user-centric design and data-driven improvements. This experience honed his ability to align scientific research with commercial demands, providing robust, real-world solutions for both elite and grassroots sports, Including the validation of turf for industry norms. Today, Dr. Young serves as Global Director of Research & Development at TenCate Grass, guiding the company’s innovation strategy and spearheading cutting-edge projects that emphasize performance, sustainability, and exceptional user experience. He collaborates with international partners, universities, and sports organizations to develop surfaces that meet, and exceed, global benchmarks for performance. Known for his strong leadership and commitment to continuous learning, he has cultivated a dynamic R&D environment that nurtures talent, fosters creativity, and accelerates breakthrough discoveries. Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Young is a passionate advocate for sustainability. By integrating circularity into turf systems, optimizing manufacturing processes, and focusing on end-of-life recyclability, he helps shape an industry that balances athletic excellence with environmental responsibility. Driven by the belief that the world’s playing surfaces can be both high-performing and planet-friendly, Dr. Young remains at the forefront of innovation, inspiring teams and organizations to transform how we play, compete, and experience the outdoors.