Seth Waugh has announced his departure as the PGA of America's chief executive officer, opting not to renew his contract which expires on Sunday, as confirmed by the organization on Wednesday. Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America's chief championships officer, will step in as interim CEO following Waugh's departure, although he has stated he will not be a candidate for the permanent CEO position.
In reflecting on his tenure, Waugh expressed pride in his six-year stint leading the PGA of America, aiming to leave a positive impact on the organization. Under his leadership, Waugh highlighted achievements such as making golf more inclusive and appealing to a broader demographic, emphasizing its current popularity and cultural relevance.
Initially appointed CEO in August 2018 after serving on the PGA of America's board of directors for three years, Waugh, a former Deutsche Bank Americas CEO, implemented significant changes including moving the PGA Championship from August to May in 2019. He also navigated the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, orchestrating a revised schedule for 2020 that included the PGA Championship as the first major held without spectators.
PGA of America president John Lindert commended Waugh for his leadership during tumultuous times, acknowledging his pivotal role in securing deals for the organization's new $500 million US headquarters in Frisco, Texas, as well as negotiating critical sponsorships and media rights contracts. Waugh will continue to serve as a senior advisor following his departure from the CEO position.
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