Talent Tracker: Mark Darbon, Dame Tracey Crouch, Phelan Hill

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) has appointed Mark Darbon as its new CEO.

The 45-year-old joins from Premiership Rugby champions Northampton Saints, where he served in the same role.

Replacing Martin Slumbers at the helm of the R&A, Darborn will oversee the organising of golf’s oldest major championship, The Open, as well as the AIG Women’s Open.

Darbon will also serve as Secretary of the 270-year-old  club, which comprises more than 2,400 global members.

In Northampton, the outgoing CEO presided over a period of significant growth both on and off the pitch. The Saints recently ended a ten-year drought to clinch their first Premiership title since 2014, meanwhile the commercial strategy implemented by Darbon helped lead the club to revenues over the last two seasons.

Prior to joining the English rugby union outfit, Darbon was CEO at Madison Sports Group, and has previously held multiple roles within the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Throughout his career, he has held multiple executive roles across US, Australia, Russia and China. 

“The R&A is a globally renowned organisation and does so much to ensure that golf prospers from grassroots through to the professional game,” Darbon said.

“I am looking forward to working with a hugely talented team of staff, the club membership and such an impressive array of partner organisations to achieve even more success in the years to come.”

R&A Chairman, Niall Farquharson, added, “We were greatly impressed with Mark’s knowledge and experience of the global sport industry and his ability to develop successful teams and deliver fantastic events. 

“We believe he will be an excellent leader for The R&A and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and will play a key role in helping us to achieve our goal of ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for golf.”

Elsewhere, Hanover Communications has named former UK Sports Minister Dame Tracey Crouch as Managing Director.

In her new role, the 48-year-old has been given the brief of bolstering Hanover’s sports offering. The PR agency’s expansive client portfolio includes the Premier League, NFL, UFC, the ECB, FA and Sky Sports.

Crouch previously served as Chair of the Fan Led Review into Football Governance, and was behind the publication of the Football Governance Bill, which was introduced earlier this year. Despite this, this week’s General Election has caused for the bill, and plans for an independent regulator in English football, to be put on hold.

At Hanover, the sport industry veteran will collaborate closely with Head of Sport Rebecca Hargreaves, reporting to President and Managing Partner Gavin Megaw, and will join the company’s most senior management team.

“I truly believe that sport transcends politics, language, and cultural barriers. It has a superpower to cut through and unite like no other,” Crouch said.

“I have seen first-hand just how good Hanover is at helping sports organisations flourish, so there was no other place I wanted to be.

She continued, “I am excited to be joining as Managing Director to support to an established team of global experts in sports storytelling, fan engagement, strategic communications, and issues management. 

“I cannot wait to get started and look forward to helping the most ambitious brands and leaders in the sports world realise their business goals.”

Recent Hires:

Phelan Hill, Extreme E

The former Olympic gold medallist rower will serve as Head of Race Locations at the all-electric, road racing series, which will become ‘Extreme H’ from 2025.

Andy Weitz, PGA Tour

Golf’s PGA Tour has named Andy Weitz as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and EVP of Investor Relations for its global operations.

Kenneth J. Kay, Genius Sports

The London based sports data and technology firm has appointed Kay as Chair of the Genius Sports’ Board. 

Fleur Robinson, Burton Albion FC

After a successful three-year stint at Wrexham, Robinson has returned to the Staffordshire club as CEO.

Rachael Burford, RPA

The former Harlequins player joins the Rugby Players Association as Head of Women’s Rugby.

Damian Willoughby, PFL

Based in the PFL London office, Willoughby will serve as the MMA promotion’s Head of Global Partnerships.