New European Tour Chief Executive unveiled

Keith Pelley to take over from outgoing George O'Grady this summer

Keith Pelley
Keith Pelley is The European Tour's new Chief Executive

Keith Pelley has been unveiled as the European Tour's new Chief Executive following George O'Grady's decision to step down in November 2014

Keith Pelley has been unveiled as the new European Tour Chief Executive following George O'Grady's decision to step down in November 2014.

Pelley, who hails from the world of sports and media, will take up the role this summer.

He's currently President of Rogers Media, a Canadian media conglomerate with responsibility for 51 radio stations, 56 publications, 12 national TV stations and more.

Before joining Rogers, Pelley was president of Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium and CEO of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts.

Over the past 30 years, he's worked in the areas of rights management and negotiation, sponsorship, television production, marketing, communications, brand development and event management.

"I am delighted to welcome Keith Pelley to The European Tour as our new Chief Executive," said David Williams, Chairman of The European Tour.

"Keith's proven track record, extensive experience and outstanding leadership skills in both sport and media will be invaluable as we continue to further develop our strategy.

"He knows the game, respects its history and I have no doubt he will bring an innovative approach to the development of The European Tour on the global stage."

Williams also paid tribute to O'Grady, who relinquishes the position after more than 40 years at the helm.

"On behalf of the board I would again like to thank George O'Grady for his extraordinary contribution to The European Tour.

"We are delighted that he will undertake the role of President of International Relations, ensuring The European Tour will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience."

Pelley, who also received the backing of Thomas Bjorn, Chairman of The European Tour's Tournament Committee, added:

"I am very honored to be joining The European Tour as its new CEO at an exciting stage in its development.

"The tour already has a highly regarded reputation and I look forward to building on this using my previous experience to ensure it remains at the forefront of the game across the globe."

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x