European Tour Appoints New Chief Executive

19 Apr 2015 | sigadmin

Share on

The PGA European Tour has appointed Rogers Media president Keith Pelley as its new chief executive, replacing George O’Grady who takes up a new position as president of international relations, from this summer.

Pelley is head of the Canadian media conglomerate, which acquired rights to the NHL in the largest sports deal in the country’s history, and has responsibility for 51 radio stations, 56 publications, 12 national TV stations, 300 digital properties as well as the Toronto Blue Jays, Canada’s only Major League Baseball team.

Pelley, pictured above right alongside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Rogers Communications CEO Nadir Mohamed, was previously president of Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium for the Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010.

David Williams, chairman of The European Tour commented: “I am delighted to welcome Keith Pelley to The European Tour as our new chief executive. Keith’s proven track record, extensive experience and outstanding leadership skills in both sport and media will be invaluable as we continue to further develop our strategy.

“Throughout the interview process, it was clear that Keith has an unwavering passion for golf as well as a strong grasp of the challenges and opportunities facing not only The European Tour, but the wider game of golf as a whole. He knows the game, respects its history and I have no doubt he will bring an innovative approach to the development of The European Tour on the global stage.

“On behalf of the Board I would again like to thank George O’Grady for his extraordinary contribution to The European Tour and professional golf over the last 40 years and we are delighted that he will undertake the role of president of international relations, ensuring The European Tour will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience.”

George O’Grady, who will continue in the role of chief executive until Keith takes office officially, added: “I look forward to welcoming Keith to The European Tour and ensuring a smooth transition as I continue to develop my new role. I am certain that Keith will bring a fresh and business-focused perspective to the Tour.”

Keith Pelley commented: “I am very honoured to be joining The European Tour as its new CEO at an exciting stage in its development. The Tour already has a highly regarded reputation and I look forward to building on this using my previous experience in both media and sports to ensure it remains at forefront of the game across the globe.

“Throughout my career in North America, it has been a privilege to work with the best sports organisations, athletes, and media assets. I am excited to build on these experiences on the international stage.”