Geoff Matthews

Member since 1990

Geoff was born in Bristol and has put much into helping the city during his life and career.

He began his school education here, and later graduated from the University of Bristol where he met his wife, Jackie. They have one son, Paul, who is a partner at Osborne Clarke.

His charitable activities have centred very much on helping the younger generation in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the city. He has been Chairman of the Greater Bristol Foundation (later Quartet), President of Young Bristol, and for several years chaired the Venturers Trust Endowment which provided extra-curricular support for the Society academies.

He remained close to the University, and spent ten years on the Council – eventually receiving an Honorary Degree.

At work he became Production Director for Imperial Tobacco in 1980, and five years later after the Hanson take-over became Managing Director of Elizabeth Shaw. After leading a buy-out, he joined the Board of the Bank of Ireland UK (formerly Bristol and West) and was a member of the Bristol Development Corporation Board. He also became a Vice President of worldwide Leaf Group based in Amsterdam for seven years.

His roles at the Bank of Ireland UK and Elizabeth Shaw brought direct responsibility for pension funds and investment management, and he continued his involvement with the Society funds until recently..

Sport has always been part of his life, and he played hockey for both Gloucestershire and Somerset. He has been a keen sailor, and took part immediately after standing down as Master in crossing the Atlantic in a 33 foot yacht with two friends.