Tom Phillips officially begins his new role as CEO of the Ladies European Tour today [April 6], marking the beginning of a new era for the Tour and for women’s professional golf globally.
With a 25-year career spanning leadership roles across golf worldwide, including a strong track record of commercial and organisational growth, Phillips joins the LET at a time of significant opportunity for the women’s game.
He said: “Today is a very proud day for me. I’m deeply honoured to join the Ladies European Tour and lead an organisation with such extraordinary potential. I’ve always believed in being clear about who you are serving and what success looks like, while staying flexible about how you get there.
“At the LET, that means focusing on three key groups: our players, our partners and our fans. Those priorities are closely linked. If we continue to strengthen the platform for players, create genuine long-term value for partners and enhance the way fans experience the LET, then we’ll be heading in the right direction.
“The LET is home to world-class athletes who inspire audiences across continents. We will continue to expand opportunities for our players, strengthen the Tour’s global footprint and elevate the visibility and value of women’s golf. I’m thrilled to be part of it and can’t wait to get started.”
Marta Figueras Dotti, Chair of the LET Ltd. Board, said: “This is a hugely significant day for our organisation. We are delighted to welcome Tom to the LET. His experience, commercial expertise and strong track record of delivering consistent growth in terms of events and prize money provides a great case study for what he can do for the LET. His passion for the game and collaborative approach will play a crucial role in driving the Tour forward and ensuring a vibrant future for all stakeholders.”
An influential and respected figure in the sport, Phillips most recently served as Director of Middle East for the DP World Tour, where for seven years he played a key role in a period of significant growth and transformation, including the landmark title partnership with DP World. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of the European Tour Group to eight events in the Middle East – including three Rolex Series tournaments – with combined prize money exceeding $35 million.
Previously, he held the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Hong Kong Golf Association, which included responsibility for the Hong Kong Open, and held senior business development roles in Asia, including with Mission Hills in China. Prior to this, he spent nearly 15 years working with six-time Major champion, Sir Nick Faldo, including as Chief Executive Officer of the Faldo Series.