New chief exec announced for R&A

The R&A has announced the appointment of Martin Slumbers as chief executive and also as secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, with effect from 1 October 2015. He succeeds Peter Dawson who is retiring in September 2015 after 16 years leading golf’s governing body with the USGA.

Born in Brighton and educated at Lancing College, Slumbers, aged 54, gained a BSc in Production Engineering and Economics from the University of Birmingham. He qualified as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse in London before embarking on a career in investment banking. He is a keen golfer and a member of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey where he plays to a handicap of two.

Commenting Slumbers said, “The R&A is one of the most influential bodies in world sport and I am delighted to be taking up this position. Golf has always been close to my heart and I am very much looking forward to living and working in St Andrews. I am honoured to be appointed to lead The R&A and to serve such an historic and prestigious Club.”