Golf Business News – PGA Tour appoints new chief marketing and comms officer

The PGA TOUR has announced the appointment of Andy Weitz as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Executive Vice President of Investor Relations for the tour's global operations.

In the role, Weitz will be responsible for positioning the PGA TOUR brand in the current and future investment environment while communicating its global strategy and operations to TOUR stakeholders and beyond.

Weitz comes to the PGA TOUR following ten years at Aon, where he most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer of the global professional services company. Prior to joining Aon in 2014, Weitz was the US president and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, the leading global communications arm of the WPP portfolio.

“As our business continues to evolve and grow, Andy will be a valuable addition to the PGA TOUR given his experience as a trusted advisor to many of the largest and most influential companies in the world,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “With his history of helping global companies tell their stories and engage their stakeholders, as well as his deep knowledge of the business community, Andy will be instrumental in enhancing the PGA TOUR brand and helping our organization grow.”

In addition to overseeing marketing and communications for the PGA TOUR, Weitz will assume the newly created role of investor relations responsible for developing the messaging and communications strategy of PGA TOUR Enterprises, the for-profit subsidiary of PGA TOUR, Inc., which was incorporated earlier this year. In January, Strategic Sports Group (SSG) made an initial investment of $1.5 billion – up to $3 billion available – in the new commercial venture, and this funding will allow the PGA TOUR to make significant investments in developing the experience of PGA TOUR. to fans and players, as well as benefiting competitions, sponsors and other bodies.

Through PGA TOUR Enterprises, the PGA TOUR introduced the Player Equity Program, a first in professional sports. PGA TOUR players are now investors in the TOUR's commercial growth, creating alignment between the organization's athletes and strategic investments that will advance the game and engage the next generation of fans.

“With the launch of PGA TOUR Enterprises and the investment made by SSG, the PGA TOUR business has grown significantly in value, opportunities and complexity,” said Joe Gorder, Chairman of the PGA TOUR Business Board. “This new role is critical to the PGA TOUR's ability to successfully execute its strategy and deliver a future product that is engaging and satisfying for fans.”

“In our search, Andy's knowledge and clear ability to use a combination of strategies to reach and connect with everyone from Main Street consumers to Wall Street investors stood out,” said Ed Herlihy, Chairman of the PGA TOUR Policy Board. “I am confident that Andy will make a significant contribution to the future success of the organization.”