Jutta af Rosenborg and Sophie Goldschmidt have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of The PGA European Tour effective 1st January 2015. These appointments, which will shape the future of the Tour, come as a result of the Strategic Review and Board restructuring that is currently underway.
Jutta brings considerable financial experience to the board having held senior positions at a number of FTSE and NASDAQ listed companies including Aberdeen Asset Management, Auriga Industries, ALK-Abelló and Carnegie Worldwide Investment Funds.
She has overseen international companies and gained considerable experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships, knowledge she will utilise with The European Tour. Jutta has an MSc in Business Economics and Auditing from Copenhagen Business School and will Chair the Audit Committee.
Sophie has extensive knowledge and experience of the global sports industry having held a number of senior roles at global sports brands and professional organisations including Adidas, the Women’s Tennis Association Tour and the National Basketball Association.
She is currently the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer for the Rugby Football Union and is also a member of the management board. She also sits as a non-executive director on the Youth Sport Trust board.
Sophie has a strong track record of building brand awareness, taking sports to new markets and introducing innovation. She has managed key external relationships with sponsors, athletes, professional teams and government entities and will focus on commercial and marketing matters pertaining to The European Tour.
Jutta af Rosenborg said, “I look forward to working together with the team at the PGA European Tour and to take part in the further development of this wonderful organisation. The world of professional golf and the world of business can be seen as very different, but when it comes to the bottom line – it is all about getting the most out of it to the benefit of the stakeholders.”
Sophie Goldschmidt said, “I am delighted to be joining the PGA European Tour board. This is a very interesting time for golf and I look forward to working with David and others to help further strategically develop the Tour commercially and in other areas.”
David Williams, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The European Tour said, “I am delighted to welcome both Sophie Goldschmidt and Jutta af Rosenborg to the board of the European Tour. Their appointment as Non-Executive Directors supports our strategy of broadening and increasing the skills and experience at the heart of the business at a time when golf is changing.
“Sophie’s experience in international sports and her proven ability to drive commercial success will be a huge asset for the Tour over the coming years.
“In Jutta we have chosen a distinguished European businesswoman with extensive investment and financial experience. This will be invaluable to the successful delivery of our plans to develop The European Tour and to forging future sponsorship opportunities and partnerships.
“I look forward to working with both Jutta and Sophie as well as our Board and Management team, as we continue to build the profile and success of The European Tour around the world.”
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