The Ladies European Tour has announced the addition of experienced businessman Vivek Batra to its Board of Directors.
Batra currently works as a director of the European fashion company Secon Group, based in Amsterdam and he was previously chief executive of Sara Lee Intimates in Germany and Sara Lee Courtaulds Clothing in the UK.
He became an enthusiastic supporter of women’s sport during his time as CEO of Gossard and Shock Absorber in the UK.
During his tenure as CEO, his team supported the UK light athletics federation, as well as a number of sports associations and athletes including tennis star Anna Kournikova. They also encouraged equality of pay at Wimbledon by contributing £40,000 towards the prize money for the women’s champion.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to get actively involved in and support women’s sport once again”, said Batra. “Professional golf is a fantastic sport for both the player and spectator. As a player it demands not only physical skill but also a high level of mental capability. In that sense it is a very complete sport and I look forward to working with the LET’s board of directors to maximise its huge growth potential.”
Karen Lunn, chairman of the Ladies European Tour’s board of directors, said, “I am delighted to welcome Vivek to the board of directors. Vivek brings with him a wealth of business experience and together we will be working to secure the long term future of women’s golf in Europe. His previous experience with such major brands and in supporting professional female athletes will prove especially valuable.”
Batra is a German citizen of Indian origin, who is based in the UK. He speaks five languages, is an avid club golfer and has been playing the sport for ten years.
The Ladies European Tour’s board of directors is now comprised of ten individuals as follows:
Karen Lunn, Chairman
Diane Barnard Vice-Chairman
Alexandra Armas – Executive Director
Karen Margrethe Juul – Player Director
Sophie Sandolo – Player Director
Nicole Gogele – Player Director
Helena Alterby – Player Director
Ronny Lemmens – Non-Executive Director
Roland Specker – Non-Executive Director
Vivek Batra – Non-Executive Director
Lemmens, from Belgium, joined the Ladies European Tour’s board of directors in December 2004 having worked for internationally renowned clothing companies Mexx, Liz Claiborne and Belluci Sportswear. After building-up Mexx, as a co-founder, Lemmens then sold it to Liz Claiborne in 2001 with a global turnover of $4.4billion.
German born Specker also joined the LET Board in December 2004. He is now retired, having built and sold a successful investment counselling and property company. Keith Lyons, a former non-executive director, stood down from the board at the end of 2006 having been a valued advisor since the summer of 2004.