Creates three new business units to support key initiatives
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 7, 2009 — With the recent completion of its strategic plan, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) today announced a reorganization of business functions to focus on key strategic initiatives. As part of the evolution of how the LPGA conducts business, several functions have been consolidated into three key business units: Tournament Operations and Player Services, New Business Development and Worldwide Sales, and LPGA Tournament and Schedule Development.
“Throughout the past 18 months, we worked to develop a strategic plan for the organization, which will take us through the next several years,” said LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens. “To achieve organizational excellence, the structure had to be aligned with the new strategic plan. We are committed to our members, tournaments, sponsors and fans. Focusing on three key areas will enhance the services and event experiences we deliver and enable us to operate more efficiently. This will allow us to continue increasing the value we provide to our customers and sponsors, and better position our organization for both short- and long-term growth opportunities.”
Along with the reorganization, Bivens announced the senior leadership for each newly created business unit as well as promotions.
The three new business units will be managed as follows:
– Tournament Operations and Player Services: Jane Geddes has been promoted to senior vice president and will oversee Tournament Operations and Player Services; Geddes previously held the position of vice president of competition. This newly formed group includes player services, tournament officials and event support personnel, including agronomy, security and weather services.
– New Business Development and Worldwide Sales: Zayra Calderon, CEO of the Duramed FUTURES Tour since 2000, will oversee New Business Development and Worldwide Sales. Calderon will continue as CEO of the Duramed FUTURES Tour, the official developmental tour of the LPGA. With Calderon’s additional responsibilities, Nancy Henderson has been named chief operating officer of the Duramed FUTURES Tour. Henderson, a Class A member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) and the PGA of America, currently is the executive director of the LPGA T&CP.
– LPGA Tournament and Schedule Development: This newly aligned group has two specific areas of focus — LPGA Properties and LPGA Sanctioned Events – and will have shared leadership responsibilities under the direction of Libba Galloway, LPGA deputy commissioner. LPGA Properties includes LPGA-owned and operated events such as The Solheim Cup, the LPGA season-opening event in 2010 and the 2010 LPGA Championship. The creation of a business unit that focuses on owning and operating events is an important addition to the asset base and the value of the LPGA. It also enhances the LPGA’s continued financial success.
Mike Nichols has been promoted to vice president of LPGA-sanctioned events. He will be responsible for development of the LPGA Tour schedule and overall management of the business relationship with all events on the Tour calendar except for those within LPGA Properties. Kelly Hyne has been promoted to LPGA vice president and will oversee LPGA Properties. Hyne currently is executive director of the 2009 Solheim Cup and has managed all Solheim Cup events held in the United States since 2002.
“We recognize the importance of implementing our strategic plan for the LPGA’s continued growth,” said Bivens. “As we move forward, we are pleased to have assembled a team of leaders who will focus on their areas of expertise and be instrumental in the LPGA’s continued success.”
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Today’s LPGA Tour features the most talented global group of professional athletes who, in 2009, will compete in a minimum of 31 official money events in 10 countries with total prize money of more than $55 million. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, 1,200 certified LPGA T&CP members serve the golf industry in teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA’s Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. ItsMission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.
Contact:
Connie Wilson, LPGA, connie.wilson@lpga.com, 386-274-6271
