R&A unveil Dawson successor

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.

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 before his retirement.

Born in Brighton and educated at Lancing College, the 54 year old 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.”