About Centrum

Leon had a successful rugby career signing professionally for Leicester Tigers at the age of 16. This was where he and Mitch first met and where they both played together in the centre (Latin translation = Centrum). Leon’s career at Leicester and Gloucester culminated in winning 6 Premiership titles, 2 Domestic Cups and back-to-back Heineken Cup trophies. He also represented the Barbarians on 5 international tours and has proudly represented England at every age group level making his full international debut against South Africa in 2000.

As one of the Co-Founders and CEO of the Switch the Play Foundation, Leon led the UK’s first charity that focuses on assisting athletes and members of the military with their transition and development into the next phase of their lives. Having successfully transitioned into the world of business himself, he published his first book, ‘From Boot Room to Boardroom, where career transition is the main focus.

Matt was born in Cambridge in 1989 and joined the Royal Navy in 2010 as a Warfare Officer. His first ships were HM Ships Ocean and Bangor, which saw him deploy on Operation Ellemy. He served in mine hunters HMS Cattistock and Quorn as the Gunnery Officer. Then as the Navigator on mine hunters HMS Grimsby, Shoreham and Pembroke. These jobs saw him visit over 15 countries in 5 years, conducting operations with numerous international partners.

In November 2015 he became the Commanding Officer of HMS PURSUER, a role he had looked forward to fulfilling since before joining the Royal Navy. Between 2015 and 2017, Matt was deployed three times around the UK and Northern Europe. Following his Command, Matt worked in a number of HQ roles. Working as an operations manager, project/programme manager and chief of staff.

Matt left the Royal Navy in March 2022 after 12 years to work as a Queens Harbour Master Pilot, a lifelong dream of his. At the same time, he was given the opportunity to work with Mitch and Leon at Centrum. Allowing him to work in a passion area for him, helping others prepare for their transition. Matt lives in Helensburgh, Glasgow with his partner Sophie. Matt is a keen rugby player and coach, and enjoys sailing and spending time being bossed around by his two children.

Jay brings a unique blend of military experience and corporate expertise to his role as a Talent Acquisition Manager. Having joined the Army Reserves in 2018 as a Communications Systems Operator before transferring to become a Vehicle Mechanic in 2023. He also spent two years as a recruitment lead and office manager within the Army’s recruitment group, guiding candidates through the enlistment process, which deepened his passion for supporting others in their career journeys. Now, Jay is dedicated to helping military service leavers, veterans, and athletes successfully transition into fulfilling civilian careers.

In addition to his military background, Jay has spent several years recruiting for white-collar, office-based roles and has held senior positions in the corporate sector. This dual perspective provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both the operational demands of the business world and the needs of candidates, enabling him to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity with empathy, insight, and expertise.

Beyond his professional career, Jay is an active member of his community, volunteering as Club Secretary for his local rugby team, Coventry Bears. In this role, he supports the men’s, women’s, and youth teams in various ways and serves as an ambassador, demonstrating his commitment to teamwork, leadership, and personal development both on and off the field.

Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Jay is proud to play a part in empowering individuals to unlock their full potential as they embark on the next chapter of their professional lives.