The Trustees of Golf Environment Europe have announced a new Chairman, and welcome two new Trustees. The non profit organisation is to be led by Bjorn Nordberg, a well respected figure in golf. He takes over from Tom Garvey, who has been at the helm of Golf Environment Europe, and its predecessor Committed to Green, since 1999.
The Foundation has been further strengthened by the appointment of two new Trustees, namely Mr Manuel Agrellos (past president of the PGAs of Europe) and Mr Angel Gallardo (Vice Chairman of the European Tour Executive Board).
Bjorn Nordberg is a senior figure in European golf – currently President of the Swedish Golf Federation, immediate Past-President of the European Golf Association and Committee Member with the European Tour.
On accepting the position, Bjorn made the following comment, “I am delighted and honoured to take on the position of Chairman of the Foundation for Golf and Environment. I believe GEE has an extremely important role to play in golf’s future. Golf has to credibly address and be seen to address environmental and sustainable development issues, and GEE is a vital component of that work.
“GEE’s neutral position, combined with cross sector participation from golfing and environmental organisations, make it an ideal platform to support and report on golf’s environmental activities. This role compliments and unites the environmental efforts of individual golfing bodies such as the national golf federations, greenkeepers, architects, owners, educators, event organisers and professional associations.
“I very much look forward to developing Golf Environment Europe, and on building on the work of Tom Garvey. Tom has been a tremendous source of support for golf over the last five years. His background with the European Commission has facilitated constructive communications between the golfing, environmental and government sectors.”
On stepping down, Tom Garvey said, “Golf Environment Europe has gained recognition and support for its role in contributing to golf’s sustainability. It is an appropriate time for Bjorn, with his extensive knowledge of the golfing world, to take things forward.
“I remain as committed as ever to our worthy cause – that golf can and should be a positive force for global sustainability – and am happy to continue to contribute to our efforts as a Trustee of the Foundation.”
The other Trustee’s note their collective appreciation of the efforts of the outgoing Chairman, their support for Bjorn Nordberg and their enthusiasm for the new appointments.
The handover officially took place in Basel on 21st March, during a joint meeting of the Foundation and the European Forum for Golf and Environment.
The other GEE Trustee’s are Mr. Jaime Ortiz Patino, Mr. Tony Bozzi, Mr. Colin Wood, Mr. Lodewijk Klootwijk, Mr. Gordon McKillop, Mr. Paul Rooney.
For further information on Golf Environment Europe and the Foundation for Golf and Environment, contact Jonathan Smith on +44 1620 850659 or jonathan@golfenvironmenteurope.org
Golf Environment Europe www.golfenvironmenteurope.org