According to people briefed on the situation, LIV Golf has been searching for a new CEO for several months. LIV’s financial backer, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, has hired London-based Odgers Berndtson to conduct the search, replacing Greg Norman as CEO.
According to insiders, the search agency has sought candidates for the role from well-known figures in the sports industry, including Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, albeit in a discreet manner. The lack of movement in the talks with Yormark demonstrates the level of executive PIF has been aiming for.
Odgers Berndtson has previously worked for PIF on other sports projects. In July, PIF also utilised the firm to appoint Paul Mitchell as Newcastle United’s new sporting director.
LIV itself has been engaging CAA Sports and Egon Zehnder on various leadership searches, while Odgers Berndtson has been in charge of the PIF search.
What Norman’s exact responsibilities would be once a new CEO is appointed is unknown. However, Norman has maintained the backing of those in LIV, and it is anticipated that he will continue to be a member of the league’s top leadership.
