LIV Golf announces former Minecraft CEO amongst others as new General Managers for teams
LIV Golf has named new General Managers for five teams: Legion XIII, Ripper GC, Stinger GC, Iron Heads GC, and Cleeks GC. The new GMs will serve strategic areas of their teams, including daily operations, sponsorships, sales, marketing, and player relations.
While all five are noteworthy, one new GM in particular catches the eye. Former CEO of Minecraft, Jonas Martensson, is joining up. He will take up the role of GM for Cleeks GC.
Via Golf Monthly, the new manager of Martin Kaymer's team said:
“Golf has always been a significant part of my life. The transition from gaming to golf will be a fun challenge, and I look forward to leveraging my consumer-facing experience in gaming and merchandise to help grow the Cleeks brand and fan engagement.”
LIV Golf continues to grow, and they have grown enough to warrant and support the addition of five general managers to run teams. While many teams remain without a GM, it is likely that they will eventually be given one in the same fashion.
LIV Golf's new GMs open up on opportunity
Jonas Martensson is not the only experienced manager that is joining on to help guide LIV Golf and its teams into the next phase. Four others from various backgrounds are also coming in.
Martin E. Kim has executive experience just like Martensson. He was a former executive with the Los Angeles Dodgers and has worked with esports organization Gen.G Esports. He is taking over Kevin Na's team, Iron Heads GC.
Kim said:
“I am thrilled to be a part of this new era of professional golf, with the goal of building the Iron Heads into a successful global franchise.”
Cameron Smith's all-Australian squad is welcoming former ESPN, Yahoo!, IMG, and Untamed Planet executive Nick Adams, who said:
"Given my Aussie heritage, I am driven to grow the game within our part of the world and build towards LIV Golf Adelaide each year. In my role as GM of the Rippers, I will endeavor to scale the community, the commercial ecosystem around the team, its talent and LIV.”
South African former Vice President of tennis' ATP Tour Richard Glover will run Stinger GC. He said that he's "excited" to work with Louis Oosthuizen and the rest of the team to make them a "sustainable" brand in the sporting world. His aim is to give them a global reach and maintain a deep connection with South Africa.
LIV Golf’s Executive Vice President, Head of Team Business Operations Katie O’Reilly said of the new hires:
“Attracting top industry talent not only brings a wealth of business acumen to the table but it is a testament to the long-term growth of LIV Golf.
Lastly, SPORTFIVE Senior Vice President of Golf Jeff Koski will continue in his role as General Manager of Jon Rahm's Legion XIII.