The Nicklaus Companies have announced the promotions of three of its long-term executives – Paul Stringer, Jack Nicklaus II and Andy O’Brien – as the company creates its leadership strategy for the future.
As CEO of Nicklaus Companies, John Reese felt it was important to have Jack II increase his role in growing all aspects of the business. Jack II, the oldest of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus’s five children, and the father of five children himself, has been promoted to Vice Chairman of Nicklaus Companies.
Jack II has been responsible for the design of more than 35 golf courses worldwide, including 16 co-designs with his father, and another 10 currently under construction or development in the US, Vietnam and Indonesia.
“Jack II is following in his father’s footsteps in a variety of ways and will be a terrific Vice Chairman of Nicklaus Companies,” said Reese. “Jack not only has a passion for designing golf courses around the world, but also is committed to the long-term success of the company and furthering the Nicklaus legacy. We are asking Jack II to spend more of his time adding businesses to the Nicklaus Companies.”
Reese further expressed the need to have both the design and marketing divisions run by the newly-appointed Presidents to increase focus on growth and profitability. O’Brien has been named President of Nicklaus Brands, the fastest growing part of the company’s portfolio, responsible for significant revenue growth through brand licensing and marketing partnerships.
An integral part of the Nicklaus team for three decades, O’Brien has been responsible for leading brand development for the company in a myriad of businesses worldwide that generate over $400 million in annual sales through branded consumer products and real estate. With a special passion for the Nicklaus’s foundation for children’s healthcare, O’Brien has fostered corporate giving programs among Nicklaus partners to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Having previously worked on the PGA of America’s Public Relations team as well as serving as publicist for the Golden Bear himself, O’Brien also leads the company’s communications and media relations.
“I have had the remarkable good fortune to work for one of the greatest men in the history of sports and the greatest brand in the industry,” commented O’Brien. “It is now exciting for me to help accomplish the company’s premier goal to institutionalize and grow the brand for future generations. My job is easy since I am surrounded by friends equally dedicated to expanding the lifestyle brand.”
Stringer has been named President of Nicklaus Design after 17 years with the company and more than 35 years in the golf industry. In addition to overseeing the operations of Nicklaus Design, Stringer will lead business development in the active international markets where Nicklaus continues to thrive and add new territories.
Stringer will continue to pursue new opportunities for the design company as well as explore a larger role for Nicklaus, including turnkey project management and consulting on various aspects of the overall development. He recently completed a contract for a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the 46th country with a Nicklaus Design golf course.
“The design business continues to expand in the international markets where we are well positioned to provide the very best in golf course design,” said Stringer. “To lead the industry, we need to be present in each region of the world to deliver the Nicklaus standard of quality and support to our clients. The talent we have on the Nicklaus Design team globally is simply without comparison. It is an honor to work with such an icon like Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus Design company.”