Proud Kinnings is keen to see unity in golf after replacing Pelley as CEO
Guy Kinnings, a well-known figure in golf, has officially taken up the reins as the European Tour Group’s chief executive officer after stepping into Keith Pelley’s shoes yesterday.
In being promoted from his role as deputy CEO to succeed Pelley following his departure at the end of last week to become president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Enterful tainment Ltd in his native Toronto, Kinnings becomes just the fifth person to hold the post since the circuit was established in 1972.
“Today is a very proud day for me and my family,” said Kinnings, who also previously filled the jobs of chief commercial officer and executive director of the Ryder Cup after moving to the tour from IMG in 2018. “It is a real privilege and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
“Our tour has such a wonderhistory, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to help shape the next exciting phase in its evolution. I have been working closely with our players, our Board, our partners and our staff over the past six years and I feel we have a great opportunity to look forward and to focus on unity and alignment in the game. There has been a shift in our sport to a more global mindset and that is something, as golf’s global tour, that we welcome.”
Eric Nicoli, chairman of the European Tour Group, is delighted to see Kinnings, who was Colin Montgomerie’s manager at IMG, take up the leadership role as the DP World Tour continues to be part of talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“Guy is vastly experienced, is hugely respected throughout the golf industry and has strong relationships right across our sport,” said Nicoli. “Our deliberate and purposeful succession planning will ensure a seamless transition in our leadership at this pivotal time in the evolution of the men’s professional game.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Guy to take advantage of the opportunities that await us, and to take our Tour to even greater heights.”