Keith Pelley, general manager of the DP World Tour, is to resign after eight and a half years in the role.
Pelley’s departure comes as the DP World Tour remains in talks with the PGA Tour to form an alliance with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Guy Kinnings, executive director of the Ryder Cup and also deputy CEO of the DP World Tour, will take up his role on April 2.
“I am forever grateful for the incredible experiences my family and I had on the tour,” Pelley said.
“I am also fortunate to be able to hand over the baton to someone immensely experienced and respected in Guy, who I am sure will ensure that the tour continues to thrive for many years to come. come.”
Canadian Pelley will assume the role of President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the NHL franchise, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA franchise, the Toronto Raptors, and the Toronto Maple Leafs club. MLS, Toronto FC.
The 60-year-old was a key figure on the European golf circuit, introducing the Rolex Series, DP World’s title partnership for the main tour, the G4D circuit for disabled golfers, mixed events with the European and American women’s tours . , and organize the two most successful Ryder Cups contested on European soil, in Paris in 2018 and in Rome in 2023.
Kinnings has been part of the DP World Tour Group since 2018. He is also the commercial director of the Ryder Cup.
“It has been a privilege to work closely with Keith since I joined the tour in 2018,” Kinnings said.
“He aimed to transform the European Tour group, and he undoubtedly did that.
“It will be a huge honor to take on this role in April and I am extremely proud to have been entrusted with this responsibility. I will continue to work closely with Keith, Eric [chair Eric Nicoli] and the Board of Directors over the next three months to ensure a smooth transition.
“I look forward to working with our players, staff and playing partners, as well as our very impressive management and senior management teams, to continue to build on all that our tour has achieved over recent years. years.”