Chris Chapman appointed to PGA of Australia Board

Media Release:

The PGA of Australia has today announced the appointment of experienced executive and company director Chris Chapman as an Independent Director of the PGA of Australia Board.

Chapman brings extensive experience across strategy, regulation, media, communications, sport, infrastructure and governance.

A former lawyer, Chapman has held senior Chair and Chief Executive roles across a range of organisations, including the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Research Australia, Seven Network and Stadium Australia.

Since 2016, he has held a number of non-executive director and advisory roles, including consulting projects with the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia.

Chapman’s connection to golf spans more than 50 years, beginning at Royal Sydney Golf Club through junior golf camps and caddying, before later becoming a long-standing member, then ultimately, President of the Club and leading the Club’s Championship Course redevelopment.

Chapman replaces Ric Lazar, who concluded his time on the Board after 16 years of service to the PGA of Australia at the recent Annual General Meeting.

PGA of Australia Chair Ian Baker-Finch said Chapman’s appointment added significant governance and commercial experience to the Board.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris Chapman to the PGA of Australia Board,” Baker-Finch said.

“Chris brings a strong background in strategy, governance, regulation, media, major venues and commercial leadership, along with a clear understanding of the PGA business model and the opportunities in front of professional golf.

“That experience will be extremely valuable as we continue to strengthen the support and services we provide to PGA Members, build our education and workforce programs, and grow the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia.

“Chris understands the importance of strong governance, commercial discipline and long-term thinking, and we are fortunate to have someone of his calibre joining the Board.”

Baker-Finch also paid tribute to Lazar for his long contribution to the PGA of Australia.

“On behalf of the PGA Board, our Members and the broader PGA team, I want to sincerely thank Ric Lazar for his 16 years of service,” Baker-Finch said.

Chapman said he was honoured to join the PGA of Australia Board.

“The PGA of Australia plays the vital role across the global professional golf ecosystem, from supporting PGA Members and educating the future workforce through to operating Australasia’s leading men’s and women’s Tours,” Chapman said.

“I am very pleased to be joining the Board and look forward to contributing to the next phase of the PGA’s strategic plan,” he said.

The PGA of Australia Board includes four PGA Member Directors and four Independent Directors, bringing together professional golf experience and Member insight, along with commercial, strategy, technology, governance and leadership expertise.

Member Directors are elected to the board by the Membership, with Member Directors determining the make up of independent directors, with a purpose of creating a board with a balance of skills, experience and expertise that will continue to grow the PGA of Australia

Chief Executive Officer Gavin Kirkman, the Vocational members Council, the Tournmant Players Council and the PGA Audit, Risk and Remuneration Committee  are all accountable to the PGA of Australia Board.

Following Chapman’s appointment, the PGA of Australia Board now comprises Member Directors Ian Baker-Finch (Chair), Stephen Hutchison, Chris Crocker and Matt Griffin; and Independent Directors Carole Brownlee, Alison Watkins AM, Chris Chapman and Paul Lappin.

 

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