The Confederation of Professional Golf’s has announced a mix of internal promotions and new staffing appointments ahead of the activation of its five-year strategy – CPG Thrive.
On the new appointments, CPG Chief Executive Ian Randell said: “To activate our strategic plan we are committed to investing in our three ‘enablers’ – people, membership and innovation. We have set out an ambitious plan of new activity and growth and this can only be achieved by having the right people in place to lead, deliver and engage with our membership to ensure the successful collaboration that is required for sustainable benefit both to our members and the collaborations across the wider-golf landscape.
“We now have the core management team in place, and we plan further announcements regarding a number of new strategic delivery partners and advisors, as well as our extended Knowledge and Development Teams very soon. It is now time for us to deliver on the commitments that we made in our plan and I am excited to be working with the team as we grow into the future.”
The core management team, members of which are listed below, constitutes a combination of full and part-time appointments that will not only benefit CPG and its membership, but also further advance the CPG’s management of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, which is committed to investing back into the development of golf across Europe.
ASTON WARD Executive Director – Digital & Membership
Aston is a PGA Member and has been with the CPG for just over eight years, leading on communications whilst also overseeing several other operational areas of the Association. More recently has also led the Collaboration & Digitalisation Project that has provided much of the basis for the new strategy and he will lead the creation and delivery of digital and non-digital engagement solutions for CPG Member Countries, their PGA Members and the golfing public.
TIM MUNTON Executive Director – Business Development
Former Warwickshire, Derbyshire and England Cricketer, Tim brings 30 years of experience of commercial roles in sport and will now be bringing his knowledge and relationships in leading the development and delivery of the CPG’s Commercial Partnerships Strategy.
WOJCIECH WAŚNIEWSKI Executive Director – Knowledge Development
PGA Member, Director of Education for the PGA of Poland and expert in national golf development activity, Wojciech will lead and coordinate a modernisation of the organisation’s education framework and services, manage the CPG Learning Institute, and assist National PGAs with the development of PGA members and ensure a skilled workforce, both professionals and volunteers for the sport.
MARTIN CROOK Company Secretary & Executive Director – Finance
As a qualified ACMA professional with senior financial experience in Construction, Video Games and FMCG Sectors, Martin will oversee the financial management of the organisation as well as ensuring good governance and long-term planning is in place.
TOM BENTLEY Director – Communications & Events
Tom is a PGA Member and has been with the CPG for two years. He will lead the delivery and continued growth of the CPG’s Communications, Championships and Pro-Ams, as well as supporting the development and activation of the organisation’s commercial assets.
MARTIN WESTPHAL Advisor – Knowledge & Development
PGA Member and part of the CPG’s Development Advisory Board, Martin has led the development of a new vision for knowledge and development for the last two years whilst continuing to manage the fantastic Märkischer Golfclub Potsdam that he owns close to Berlin. Having put the foundations in place, Martin will continue to work with, advise, and support the team in providing education and golf development expertise.
COLIN BELL Director – Membership Development
Co-Founder of Gather, former Manager of Golf Development for The R&A and Coaching Manager for Scottish Golf, Colin brings extensive knowledge and experience in forward- thinking leadership, strategy and high-quality development solutions to his role working closely and directly with the CPG Membership.
FREDRIK LINDGREN Director – Game Development
Former Head of Corporate Responsibility and Business activity in the Nordic and Baltic Regions for the European Tour, alongside being a PGA Member and past European Tour Player himself, Fredrik’s strong international relationships across the game will be of great value as he leads the collaboration with other bodies in the delivery of game development activities including introducing Doubles Golf and other league formats.
ABBEY RICKETTS Director – Finance
Having provided management accounting services to the CPG for the past two years, Abbey will continue to manage the finances of the organisation and provide company secretarial support alongside Martin Crook.