The PGA of Australia and European Tour announced today the appointment of Michael McDonald as their new Commercial Director Australasia.

An accomplished commercial leader with over 20 years of experience across the aviation and hospitality sectors Michael joins the organisations from his most recent role with Virgin Australia as its Leader, Account Management.

Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia which owns the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia welcomed McDonald to the PGA team.

“The PGA of Australia is delighted to welcome Michael McDonald to our Association.  Michael brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this important role and his appointment reflects the PGA’s commitment to building strong relationships with our commercial partners.”

Nathan Homer, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer for the European Tour, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the European Tour and look forward to utilising his key sales and commercial intelligence in our strategic development throughout Australasia.”

Prior to Virgin Australia, McDonald held several director of sales roles within the Melbourne hospitality industry over a 12 year period, most notably with the Singaporean owned Pan Pacific Hotels Group and prior to this was with Ansett Australia from 1997 to 2002.

McDonald has a demonstrated history in transformational leadership, driving customer centric strategies and delivering profit-driven results.

“It’s an honour to be joining the PGA of Australia and I am very excited to be joining a passionate team that is committed to growing the game in Australia.

“It’s certainly an exciting time for Australian golf with so many PGA Members performing at the highest level on the world stage and at home, and the PGA in Australia provides a wonderful opportunity for partners to be involved in the continued growth of Australian golf and deliver value on their commercial objectives at the same time.

“I look forward to working with both our current and future partners on the continued development of the commercial assets of the PGA, with the intent to ensure we provide a year-round opportunity to deliver value to our partners.

“It is also exciting to be taking up the role of Commercial Director Australasia for the European Tour through the current strategic alliance that is in place which opens up a range of opportunities for both organisations and our partners.”

McDonald will commence his position with the PGA of Australia and the European Tour on 13 August 2018.