Thu Jan 6 2011PGA announces new CEO
The Professional Golfers Association of Australia Limited (PGA) today announced the appointment of
its new Chief Executive Officer, Brian Thorburn.
Following an extensive search, Brian will take over the reins of the PGA from Max Garske who retires
from the role in July 2011.
“The Board is pleased to have been able to appoint Brian Thorburn at this time as he will enjoy the
benefit of a significant transition period with the current CEO, Max Garske, who retires from the PGA
after almost thirty years distinguished service,” PGA Chairman, Mark Gibson said today.
Brian Thorburn held executive positions for over twenty years in the banking sector with CitiBank, The
State Bank of NSW and Westpac prior to moving into sports management in 1996. Before establishing
24/7 Sports, a sports marketing, promotions and events management company, he was the
Commercial Director of the Australian Rugby Union.
At the ARU he oversaw ten successive seasons of Super 12 and Tri Nations Rugby and was heavily
involved in the staging of the Rugby World Cup in 2003. During his ten year ARU tenure, first as Head of
Finance and Marketing, the organisation grew from turning over $21million to $79million. In 2004, he
led the Australian negotiation of the South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby sale of
broadcasting rights to News Limited.
Brian’s company 24/7 Sport has been responsible for significant projects across a variety of sports. He
was Tournament Operations Director for the Rugby League World Cup in 2008, as well as being the
Corporate Hospitality Rights Holder for that event. He has negotiated rights deals, staged events and
overseen sponsorship, hospitality and venue management projects across most codes including
Cricket, Netball, AFL and Soccer.
Brian joins the PGA three years after the successful amalgamation of the PGA of Australia and PGA
Tour. The organisation turns over in excess of $40million a year with approximately 60 employees.
In making the announcement PGA Chairman, Mark Gibson highlighted that “the role of CEO of the
PGA was critical for a sport and an organisation that has a great responsibility to show leadership. The
PGA is in good shape and growing but our plans are ambitious.
“Australians are performing well on all tours across the world, 2011 sees the Presidents Cup coming to
Australia, our coaches are in demand, we now play a significant part on the One Asia Tour and
September 2011 will see the commencement of a year of celebrations as the PGA’s Centenary Year.
“We thank Max for his years of service and contribution and we now look to Brian to lead the PGA
over the coming years and to implement the new strategic plan set for the organisation by the
Board.” he said.
Brian Thorburn said “With such an exciting future for professional golf, It’s a great privilege & honour to
have been appointed to lead the PGA, and I’m looking forward to the challenge & the significant opportunities in front of us"
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Nicole Powell, Communications & PR Manager, PGA of Australia, 0439 933 490 or npowell@pga.org.au
About the PGA of Australia
The PGA of Australia has a membership that comprises all Australian professional golfers and includes tournament
professionals, club professionals, assistant professionals, teaching professionals, senior professionals and trainees.
The PGA’s core aim is to help more Australians enjoy golf more often. In doing so, the PGA aims to deliver more
business opportunities to its members.
Each year the PGA of Australia stages over 430 tournaments from the Australian PGA Championship to the state
based Pro-Am circuits that take professional golf to the masses. The PGA of Australia is the official sanctioning
body for all elite male professional tournament golf in Australasia.
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