New Zealand Golf commercial manager to take up CEO challenge

Dean Murphy, new NZ Golf CEO

New Zealand Golf has announced today the appointment of Dean Murphy as the new Chief Executive Officer for the organisation.

Mr Murphy has been the organisation's Commercial Manager for three years, and also Acting CEO of New Zealand Golf for the last seven months.

He joined New Zealand Golf in August 2007 and drove the ground-breaking research into habits of golf club members and non-members that led to a number of new initiatives to attract more people to the game.

New Zealand Golf chairman Philip Hassall said his Board were delighted with the appointment but were under no illusions of the challenges ahead.

"Dean has done an outstanding job in his role as Commercial Manager to begin to diversify our funding away from reliance on gaming, and develop new and innovative initiatives," Mr Hassall said.

"We have established a sound foundation under Bill MacGowan's leadership, revamped the constitution and have had solid financial performances.

"Worldwide golf club memberships are stagnant and we face a huge challenge to excite more people into playing the game more often.

"We will be looking for the team under Dean's leadership to tackle this challenge, and in this regard develop an inclusive dialogue with districts and clubs, and improve performance across the board in every aspect of our business."

Mr Hassall said Mr Murphy's proven marketing skills, his innovative approach and communication skills were key aspects to his appointment from the 65 applicants.

Mr Murphy, who has a business degree in marketing, has been previously involved in sales and management. He worked in the tourist industry out of London for six years before returning work as Events manager for the New Zealand Post Group before joining New Zealand Golf.

He will take up the new position immediately.