The PGA Tour recently announced the hiring of Andy Weitz as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and Executive Vice President, Investor Relations. Weitz, who most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer at Aon plc, will be responsible for positioning the PGA Tour brand for investment and communicating the organization’s global strategy and performance. This move comes as the PGA Tour Enterprises, a for-profit subsidiary, secured an initial $1.5 billion investment from the Strategic Sports Group earlier this year, with potential for up to $3 billion in funding. The PGA Tour Enterprises aims to enhance the tour experience for fans and players, benefit tournaments, sponsors, and other constituents.
Weitz’s responsibilities will include developing messaging and communication strategies for PGA Tour Enterprises and overseeing marketing and communications for the PGA Tour. The creation of the Player Equity Program within PGA Tour Enterprises allows PGA Tour players to have an investor stake in the tour’s commercial growth, creating alignment between athletes and strategic investments for future growth and fan engagement. Joe Gorder, Chairman of the PGA Tour Enterprises Board, emphasized the importance of this new role in executing the PGA Tour’s strategy and delivering a satisfying product for fans.
Weitz brings a wealth of experience from his time at Aon plc, where he led the integration of the marketing and communications team and global brand strategy. Aon, a global professional services firm, established an Official Marketing Partnership with the PGA Tour in 2019, launching programs such as the “Aon Risk Reward Challenge” and the “Nicklaus/Jacklin Award presented by Aon” to enhance fan engagement and recognition in golf. Weitz’s expertise in utilizing digital strategies to engage clients, colleagues, and investors will be crucial in further elevating the PGA Tour brand and maximizing its impact globally.
As Weitz begins his role with the PGA Tour this summer, he will lead efforts to keep the organization aligned with fan priorities, player interests, and partner and investor expectations. Weitz expressed excitement about contributing to the growth of the PGA Tour brand at a transformative moment and emphasized the importance of listening and learning from stakeholders. His background at Aon and Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where he served as U.S. President and Chief Executive Officer, will bring valuable insights to the PGA Tour’s marketing and communication strategies.
Weitz’s relocation to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where the PGA Tour headquarters is located, signifies his commitment to his new role with the organization. The PGA Tour expressed gratitude to its partners at Korn Ferry for successfully completing the executive search that led to Weitz’s appointment. With his diverse experience in marketing, communications, and global brand strategy, Andy Weitz is poised to play a significant role in shaping the PGA Tour’s future growth and global impact. His leadership will be instrumental in further enhancing the PGA Tour experience for fans, players, sponsors, and stakeholders.
