European Tour Chief Set To Stand Down
The European Tour has confirmed that George O’Grady will stand down as its chief executive after formally asking the Board of Directors to begin the process to appoint his successor.
The Nominations Committee, chaired by David Jones, has been tasked with recruiting the new chief executive as the Board looks to ‘implement its growth strategy and build on the firm traditions and relationships of the European Tour,’ according to the Tour.
O’Grady, who has been in office since 2005, leaves with the business in moderately good health with 2014 representing the first time in living memory that the financial riches from the Ryder Cup, hosted at Gleneagles in September, were not necessary to keep the European Tour on a strong financial footing.
The 65 year-old will remain in his position until his successor takes office. He became only the third chief executive in The European Tour’s history in 2005, succeeding John Jacobs, who supervised the Tour’s formative years from 1971 to 1974 and Ken Schofield, who took over the reins in 1975.
George O’Grady commented: ‘In the aftermath of what I believe to have been the best presented Ryder Cup since my first involvement in the contest at Royal Lytham in 1977, I felt this was the right time to ask the Board to begin the search for my successor.’
It is my firm belief that, coming towards the end of what has been another incredibly successful season, we are now seeing the green shoots of recovery across Europe and I am pleased that this coincides with all our building blocks, in terms of key television and sponsorship contracts, being in place.’
‘I have agreed with the Board to stay not only for the time it takes to appoint a new CEO but also for sufficient additional time after that to see them properly settled in. The Board also agreed that, at that stage, I will take up a role as President of International Relations which will see me represent The European Tour through the Olympic Games in 2016.’
David Williams, chairman of The European Tour, commented: ‘On behalf of the Board and all of the Members of The European Tour I would like to thank George for his contribution to The European Tour and professional golf generally over the last 40 years.’
‘The European Tour and its players are admired throughout the world of golf and George has played a key part in building global relationships and developing the Tour. He has always respected the traditions of the Tour and built on the strong foundations put in place by John Jacobs, Neil Coles and Ken Schofield.’
‘The Tour is now embarking on a new phase in its development and that is why George has considered that it is the right time to ask the Nominations Committee to find his successor.’
