The PGAs of Europe’s Ian Randell, has been appointed to the Management Board of Ryder Cup LLP in personnel changes that ensure, for the first time, that the chief executives of all three stakeholders serve as directors at the pinnacle of the organisation’s administrative structure.
In another important appointment PGAs of Europe director Mikael Sorling moves to the Players and Stakeholders Board and has become chairman of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, the body that manages profit from the biennial matches between Europe and USA by sanctioning grants to appropriate grass roots causes.
These internal moves follow the retirement of former PGAs of Europe director Donato di Ponziano, thereby creating the vacancy on the Management Board. As a result Randell now enjoys similar status to the other two chief executives of the three stakeholders, George O’Grady (European Tour) and Sandy Jones (The PGA of GB&I).
“I’m obviously extremely pleased and extremely proud to undertake such a role,” said Randell. “And, on behalf of the PGAs of Europe, I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the present and future well-being of the Ryder Cup, as it continues to grow from strength to strength.”
Since he became the Association’s first chief executive in 2007, having previously filled a similar role with the Ladies European Tour and the British Universities Sports Association, a great deal of progress has been made in making the PGAs of Europe an increasingly significant player on the world stage.
Backed by Sandy Jones as Chairman and his board, along with the Education Committee, the PGAs of Europe has, during Randell’s five-year term in office, enhanced its reputation as a highly respected voice of the Professional Golfers’ Associations across Europe, set and advanced clear standards for membership and education, expanded the event portfolio and become a pioneering member of the PGA World Alliance as new horizons have opened up.
The make-up of the five-man Management Board is otherwise as before, including Richard Hills (Ryder Cup Director) and Jonathan Orr (Finance Director, European Tour).
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2012 Ryder Cup www.rydercup.com/2012