The R&A appoints new chief executive

• Organisation names Martin Slumbers as new chief exec.
• Will also be secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.
• Brighton-born man will replace Peter Dawson.
• ‘I am delighted to be taking up this position’ says Slumbers.

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 October 1, 2015.

Mr Slumbers will succeed Peter Dawson, who is retiring in September 2015 after 16 years leading the body, which organises the Open Championship and governs golf worldwide, jointly administering the sport with the USGA.

He will join the R&A in March 2015 as chief executive designate and spend six months working with Mr Dawson, pictured below, before his retirement.

“I am delighted to be taking up this position.” – Martin Slumbers

Born in Brighton and educated at Lancing College, Mr Slumbers, 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 spent 12 years working for Salomon Brothers International in London and Hong Kong, becoming chief financial officer in Asia and then Europe.

In 1998, he joined Deutsche Bank and served in a number of senior executive roles. He was appointed global head of Deutsche Bank’s Investment Banking Operations in 2006 and the following year as global head of Global Business Services.

He is a keen golfer and a member of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey where he plays to a handicap of two. He is married with two sons.

“The R&A is one of the most influential bodies in world sport and I am delighted to be taking up this position,” he said. “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.”

Professor Wilson Sibbett, chairman of the R&A, said, “I would like to congratulate Martin on his appointment. He has enjoyed a long and successful career and will bring a great deal of experience to the position. He has a passion for golf and is absolutely committed to the work of the R&A in governing the game, running the Open and supporting development initiatives around the world.”

The R&A appoints Martin Slumbers :: Your thoughts

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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