PGA European Tour Appoints David Williams as Chairman of Board of Directors

The PGA European Tour has appointed David Williams their Chairman of the Board of Directors from the start of the new year.

This follows the announcement in May 2013 that Neil Coles MBE would be stepping down from the role which he has held for the past 38 years.  David will be responsible for building on the legacy left by Neil Coles MBE, ailment further developing the Tour and its business activities around the world.

David brings considerable commercial experience to The PGA European Tour having led a wide range of public and private businesses over the last 35 years both as CEO and as Chair. These include senior roles at Whitbread Group PLC, stomach Diageo PLC and PepsiCo Restaurants Inc, Mothercare PLC and the Royal London Mutual Insurance Group Ltd.   David has worked across the world and his global experience will be invaluable as The PGA European Tour reaches out into new markets.

He is currently Chair of the Operating Partners at Duke Street Capital and acts on the Boards of a number of well known businesses in this capacity.    David has an MSc in Management from the London Business School where he was a Governor.

Commenting on his appointment, Williams said, “To follow in the footsteps of someone who has been as much of a figurehead as Neil Coles is a tremendous honour. The European Tour brand is strong and I will work with George O’Grady, his Executive team, the Players and the Board to take the organisation forward. In particular I’ll be looking to ensure that the Tour is structured in a way which enables it to further increase its expansion and appeal across the globe as well as working with the players and our business partners to promote long-term sustainable growth.”

The Chief Executive of the European Tour, George O’Grady CBE, welcomed the appointment: “The unique strength of the European Tour is the fact that the Members, through their representatives on the board, govern the Tour. They have chosen David Williams as Chairman as his management expertise, commercial experience, and business credentials will give everyone, those within the Tour and those connected to us, great confidence.   I am delighted to personally welcome David to the European Tour, and look forward to working with him, as we face our challenges both on the European and the global stage.”

Thomas Björn, Chairman of The European Tour Players’ Committee said, “On behalf of all of the players on The European Tour, I am delighted to welcome David as our new Chairman. David’s business credentials speak for themselves and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build on the success of The European Tour around the world.

“I know every one of the players will be delighted to welcome David personally at the first event he attends.”