LIV Golf announces former Converse VP as new Chief Communications Officer
LIV Golf has officially announced former Converse Vice President Ilana Finley as its new Chief Communications Officer. In this role, she will lead global communications from LIV, which includes both internal and external communications for the tour and all 13 individual teams. It also includes the worldwide events as well as The International Series.
Via a statement, the incoming CCO Finley said:
“I’m excited to join the team at LIV Golf as the League continues to break new ground in the world of sports and entertainment. Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to drive impactful storytelling with global brands that are committed to building connections with diverse audiences by thinking boldly and being unafraid to take chances, and LIV Golf is doing just that."
Finley called it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, adding she was thrilled to help be the force behind the tour's innovation, creativity, and teamwork, "while making a positive impact around the world.”
LIV continues to make big hires. New GMs for five of the teams have been recently appointed, including former Minecraft CEO Jonas Martennsson. The Saudi-backed circuit has ramped up the business side of its tour with those additions as well as Finley's.
This comes at an interesting point in LIV's history. The future of men's professional golf is currently up in the air, thanks to the ongoing merger talks between PIF, LIV Golf's funding, and the PGA Tour. Liv Golf CEO Greg Norman has said he believes the tour will continue to exist, but predicting what golf will look like after the merger officially takes hold is hard to do. Nevertheless, the organization is hiring new personnel as though it's going to continue to be around for a very long time.
Greg Norman praises hiring of Ilana Finley for LIV Golf
Greg Norman, the CEO of the rebel tour, offered up a positive statement in regards to the new COO hire. He said that Ilana Finley is "uniquely prepared to help LIV Golf continue its positive momentum into 2025 and beyond."
He added that she knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities that exist for an attempted global brand. He also said,
"She understands how to align competition, culture, and entertainment to deliver a product that fans embrace. Ilana is a skilled leader and communicator with a sincere passion for positively impacting teams and communities around the world, and LIV Golf is proud to have her on board.”
Finley has previously been part of the Board of Directors for the Newman’s Own Foundation, the Board of Trustees for the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network Advisory Board. Finley is also a member of the Board of Visitors for UNC Chapel Hill. She can now add a prestigious role in a major golf tour to her resume.