Marie Wood
Co-founder
Marie has co founded multiple successful businesses, showing a deep understanding of strategic business development demonstrating her ability to recognise gaps in the market, execute complex projects and manage high-risk environments. Her operational management skills, also highlight her capacity for creative visions and brand development.
Marie's entrepreneurial journey has shifted to the construction sector where, together with her business partner Russ, she has led her company to an impressive £1.1 million turnover in the last year. This success highlights her skill in financial management, strategic planning and adapting to the industry.
Her partnership with Russ in the Gaia Property Group is a further example of her commitment to sustainable development and wellbeing-focused projects, where her leadership is characterised by innovation, strategic vision and a keen sense of market dynamics.
Maries diverse background and successful ventures reflect a leader who is able to navigate complex markets, lead high-performing teams and drive growth with a mindful approach to business and societies evolving needs.
Russ Ayres
Co-FOUNDER & CEO
Russ, co-founder of Gaia Property Group, is a model of entrepreneurial leadership, underpinned by a rich set of skills acquired in high-profile engagements. His early career, characterised by key roles at global consulting firms Oracle and McKinsey & Company in Sydney, not only fuelled his ambition for ambitious ventures, but also honed his strategic and analytical acumen. These experiences served as a crucible for Russ' impressive skills in navigating complex business landscapes and developing innovative strategies.
Together with Marie, Russ has built a successful floor screeding company that has naturally transitioned into the property development space. In doing so, he has demonstrated his adaptability and expertise in various aspects of the industry and proven his ability to anticipate and navigate market changes. Russ has led their screed company to significant sales, demonstrating his strategic vision and operational efficiency. His leadership skills, characterised by meticulous planning and quick reactions, have contributed significantly to the success. As they expand into larger development projects, Russ' extensive skills and synergistic collaboration with Marie will enable them to make great strides in the property development sector.
Dott Ing. Cataldo Russo
civil engineer
Dott. Ing. Cataldo Russo is a seasoned civil engineer with over 20 years of experience in real estate development, sustainable design, and the restoration of historic buildings across Southern Italy. A key member of the GAIA. team, he has led the transformation of landmark properties—particularly in the Otranto region—into high-performing tourism assets.
Cataldo holds a degree in Civil Engineering (Architectural focus) with a specialization in environmental and energy planning for tourism developments. He is certified in fire prevention (Law 818/84) and sustainable building standards (ITACA Protocol).
His portfolio includes the structural and project management of high-value hospitality projects such as Hotel Koinè and Masseria Muzza, both multi-million-euro investments. He also has extensive experience in urban planning and infrastructure projects, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams and managing both public and private funding mechanisms (PIA Turismo, PSR, POIN).
Cataldo combines deep technical expertise with regional insight, regulatory fluency, and a commitment to sustainability—making him a trusted leader in complex real estate initiatives throughout Puglia and beyond.
Giuseppe Funaro
International Business Consultant
Giuseppe Funaro is an accomplished international business consultant with over three decades of experience guiding foreign investment into Italy. Based in Lecce, he is known for his intuitive understanding of how to align global investor goals with local opportunities—particularly in the fields of real estate, tourism development, and publicly backed incentive finance.
Giuseppe has a natural ability to bridge cultures and industries, helping international clients navigate Italy’s complex regulatory and financial landscape. His work focuses on structuring cross-border projects that are legally sound, strategically located, and eligible for national and EU funding. Whether overseeing the adaptive reuse of historic properties for tourism or orchestrating multi-jurisdictional business setups, he brings a practical, deal-focused mindset and deep regional knowledge to every engagement.
As founder of Mari e Trulli International and representative of GAIA Property Group Ltd. in Italy, Giuseppe is a trusted partner to investors seeking grounded, long-term value. His leadership roles within Capitalimprese and the International Trade Council further reflect his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through international collaboration.
With a reputation built on trust, discretion, and results, Giuseppe continues to play a key role in shaping Southern Italy’s transformation into a destination for meaningful, future-ready investment.
Maurizio Deta
Maurizio Deta is a seasoned financial consultant and chartered accountant with nearly 30 years of experience guiding businesses and public institutions through complex financial and regulatory landscapes. Based in Lecce, he specialises in corporate finance, taxation, and banking strategy, with a particular focus on debt restructuring, incentive funding, and insolvency procedures.
Known for his calm precision and strategic insight, Maurizio advises on everything from structured finance and project planning to credit securitisation and interbank negotiations. His work bridges the private and public sectors, helping organisations unlock growth through clear financial planning and expertly managed funding pathways.
Trusted by both banks and business leaders, Maurizio remains a key figure in Italy’s financial advisory landscape—valued for his discretion, rigour, and long-term vision.
Tanya Forgan
Facilitator | Holistic Practitioner | Trauma-Informed Guide
Tanya our Retreat Program Lead is known for creating deeply nurturing spaces where people can pause, reconnect, and begin meaningful transformation. Her work lies at the intersection of inner healing and collective well-being, grounded in a belief that real change—personal or societal—begins with self-awareness and compassion.
Tanya supports individuals and groups as they navigate the complexities of modern life, helping them reconnect with their inner clarity and strength. Her practice weaves together ancient traditions and contemporary methodologies, offering an approach that is both rooted and responsive. Whether guiding a one-on-one session or holding space for a community circle, she fosters environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to evolve at their own pace.
As a trauma-informed facilitator, Tanya brings exceptional care and sensitivity to every interaction. Her work honours the uniqueness of each journey while acknowledging the shared human need for belonging, presence, and growth. While not a clinical therapist, she offers practices that gently hold space for the effects of trauma—inviting greater ease, authenticity, and resilience.
At the heart of Tanya’s philosophy is the belief that healing and contribution are not opposing forces: we can thrive individually while working toward a more compassionate world. Her calm presence and decades of experience have made her a trusted guide for those seeking more than just wellness—for those seeking wholeness.
