The European manager for the International Cricket Council, Nick Pink, has been named the new CEO of England Golf.
England Golf is the governing body for amateur golf in England and the position is considered one of the most powerful in the British golf industry.
Pink, who will take up his post in March, replaces David Joy, who resigned earlier in 2015.
“For the past four years Nick has been the European manager for the ICC, charged with implementing a global strategy to increase participation and financial growth across 33 national federations,” said a spokeswoman for England Golf. “The European region – which is the largest in the ICC – is on track to meet its ambitious targets. In the past four years Nick has led a 35% increase in cricket participation across Europe, and supported members to develop corporate and public fundraising and commercial strategies to ensure continued growth.
“He has built partnerships with government, non-government, European and charitable organisations to increase income streams for the ICC and member federations. He has also been involved in consultations to shape the ICC’s new five-year strategy, has developed innovative digital solutions and created social media platforms to widen the reach and exposure of the ICC and the member federations.”
Pink has previously worked for other organisations including UK Sport, where he led the international work and was head of the senior management team. He has also worked with the Youth Sport Trust and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Commenting on his appointment, Pink said: “I am delighted to be joining England Golf and look forward to working alongside internal colleagues, county unions and associations, clubs and all other stakeholders to deliver the ‘Raising our Game’ strategy. Golf has played an important role in my own life and I passionately believe the sport can provide people of all ages the opportunity to play and be involved in our great game.”
Graham Yates, chairman of the England Golf Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nick to England Golf. His experience, leadership qualities and networking skills will drive our strategy forward and support our aims to create more members, more players and stronger clubs. We are very much looking forward to working with Nick to further develop the game of golf.”