The National Golf Foundation has announced the election of Brendan Ripp and Dick Sullivan to the organization’s board of directors. Ripp and Sullivan are both accomplished executives who possess a wide range of experience serving golfers while helping them enjoy the game through their respective media and retail businesses.
As the only organization that serves all segments of the business, the NGF maintains what is arguably the most professionally diverse and respected board of directors in the industry, and Ripp and Sullivan’s appointments only add to that distinction. The 2016 board is comprised of leaders from prominent industry associations and the equipment, turf maintenance, course management, travel, retail and media sectors.
“We are excited to add Brendan and Dick to the NGF board,” said Joe Beditz, president & CEO of NGF. “They bring deep marketing, media and retail knowledge that will help us better serve our members, clients and the industry. I am grateful for their support, and the support of all our directors.”
NGF is best known for the independent and objective research it conducts on behalf of the golf business. The organization also helps companies and golf facilities compete more effectively through the use of NGF’s research, marketing and consulting resources. The board helps guide NGF’s business strategy, prosecute its higher-purpose initiatives and ensures that its research remains the most trusted and relevant in golf.
As Group Publisher of the Sports Illustrated Group, Brendan Ripp oversees a collection of globally-renowned sports brands – Sports Illustrated, SI Kids, GOLF and FanSided – on behalf of Time Inc. He took on this role in January 2014, after successful leadership roles at FORTUNE, TIME and MONEY.
“The game of golf has a bright future ahead,” said Ripp. “I am excited to work with the NGF Board on behalf of this great game moving forward.” Sullivan is equally excited to be joining the board of NGF, which will celebrate its 80th birthday in 2016.
During the first five years at the helm of PGA TOUR Superstore, Sullivan and his team have doubled the store count with expansion from coast to coast across the United States, along with a vibrant e-commerce store that ships worldwide. The company is currently on an aggressive growth plan to once again double their store count over the next four years. Sullivan also brings extensive marketing and operating experience from his time in various leadership roles at the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and The Home Depot.
“NGF is uniquely positioned to help every type of business in our industry,” said Sullivan. “I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the success of the organization and the business of golf.”
Ripp and Sullivan join eight serving members of NGF’s board of directors which includes (in alphabetical order):
- David Abeles, President & CEO, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company
- Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., CEO, The First Tee (board Vice Chairman)
- Joe Beditz, President & CEO, National Golf Foundation
- Chip Brewer, President & CEO, Callaway Golf (board Chairman)
- Bill Brown, Jr., Group Vice President, The TORO Company (board Secretary/Treasurer)
- Bill Golden, President, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday
- Peter Hill, Chairman & CEO, Billy Casper Golf
- Sarah Hirshland, Senior Managing Director of Business Affairs, USGA
NGF www.ngf.org