Golf Canada Launches Search For New CEO

By Dan Pino/ Golf Canada

 

Lighthouse has been selected as the firm to lead the CEO search

Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson has been appointed as interim CEO effective January 9, 2017

With the recent announcement that CEO Scott Simmons will be leaving the organization, Golf Canada’s Board of Directors is engaged in the process to search for a new CEO.

Golf Canada wishes to take an inclusive and comprehensive approach with this CEO search. The process will involve garnering input from key stakeholders in the golf industry to design the optimal CEO profile.

Proposals were sought from executive recruitment firms that expressed interest in participating in the search for Golf Canada’s new CEO.

Following a review of eight proposals, and interviews with a short-list, Lighthouse Search was engaged. Lighthouse Search, a Canadian boutique firm that specializes in the not-for-profit and sport sector, is familiar with Golf Canada, and has conducted searches and placements for several of Canada’s National Sport Federations.

Lighthouse will work with the Golf Canada Board of Directors to seek stakeholder input and conduct stakeholder interviews to develop the CEO Profile. The CEO profile will be posted on Golf Canada’s web-site, and Lighthouse will begin the process of screening potential candidates and developing a short list of qualified applicants to review with the Golf Canada Board of Directors.

It is expected that the announcement of Golf Canada’s new CEO will be made by April 2017, with the start date to be finalized in consultation with the successful candidate.

Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson has been appointed as interim CEO, effective January 9, 2017. CEO Scott Simmons will work with Thompson to transition leadership responsibilities through Simmons departure in February. This will ensure continuity of leadership until the new CEO takes office later in the year.

A member of Golf Canada’s senior management team, Thompson is well versed in the core elements of the Association’s strategic plan and operations. He has served as Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer since 2005; overseeing all areas of sport development including junior, grassroots and high performance golf.

In his role as Chief Sport Officer, Thompson already works closely with Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the International Golf Federation, provincial golf associations and the PGA of Canada.

For further information, please contact Golf Canada President Roland Deveau, Q.C., at rdeveau@golfcanada.ca .

Potential candidates can reach Lighthouse at connectwithus@lighthousesearch.ca .

LIGHTHOUSE SEARCH – CONNECTING EXCEPTIONAL

Lighthouse is a boutique executive search firm with national and global reach that was founded with the vision of a modern search firm; one that is agile, responsive and invested in our client’s business. Our firm works with Canadian owned and run businesses along with global fortune 500 companies operating offices in the Canadian market. We are trusted advisors who provide premium level service to support our high touch client and candidate relationships. We ignite excitement in our clients agenda and bring our passion and expertise to recruit exceptional leadership talent for organizations. Connect with us at lighthousesearch.ca .

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca .