Direct Golf has added respected golf industry executive Rob Andrew to its senior management team as it seeks to confirm its position as Europe’s leading golf retailer in 2015.
Andrew, who joins Direct Golf from rival retailer American Golf, will take up the position of director of purchasing and procurement after five years as clubs buyer for his previous employer.
Andrew’s arrival at Direct Golf is the latest in a string of high-level management appointments, made after Direct Golf received substantial investment from global sports retailer Sports Direct last year.
Ecommerce specialist Lee Brown and retail expert Peter Riordan joined the company in October, and each appointment is, according to Direct Golf owner and founder John Andrew, a key part of an aggressive and ambitious expansion plan, which will see 20 new stores opened by 2018, and a new website launched in spring 2015.
PGA Fellow professional Andrew – no relation to namesake Rob – said: “I am extremely excited to have Rob join our senior management team – strengthening our senior management team is a key component to delivering our business’ goals effectively.
“Rob brings with him great credibility in our industry and great supplier relationships, and I believe he will play a major part in the ambitious growth plans I have in store for Direct Golf in 2015.”
Rob Andrew’s career in the golf industry began in 1995 with Mitsushiba Golf, before taking him to JJB sports, where he served as golf equipment buyer for a decade. Since 2009 he has held the role of clubs buyer for American Golf.
Rob, who is married to 1998 British Amateur ladies champion Kim Andrew, has hailed the move as a ‘huge opportunity’.
He added: “I am very excited to be joining Direct Golf and I look forward to the challenge of helping John and the team deliver the company’s plan to become the market leader in the industry.”
Rob Andrew’s arrival sees current purchasing director James Toase move to the role of direct sales director, allowing him to focus solely on Direct Golf’s digital offering working with Brown.
Direct Golf UK has enjoyed massive growth in 24 successful years of trading. Starting with one small shop in Huddersfield, it now has 20 retail outlets nationwide and a significant portion of the web and mail order golf market.
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