Nicklaus Company Appoints Phil Cotton as Chief Executive Officer

The board of Nicklaus Companies have announced the appointment of Phil Cotton as Chief Executive Officer. An experienced sports industry business leader, Phil will succeed John Reese, who is transitioning to Vice Chairman at Nicklaus Companies after more than 10 years as CEO.

Reporting to Executive Chairman, Howard Milstein, Phil will oversee the existing businesses and teams of Nicklaus Brands, Nicklaus Design as well as all corporate relationships and new business opportunities. Phil will work closely with business heads Andy O’Brien, President of Nicklaus Brands, and Paul Stringer, President of Nicklaus Design.

Phil, a highly experienced senior executive in the sports and entertainment industry, has a successful track-record spanning over 20 years in the UK, Europe and North America. Working for some of the world’s top athletes, brands and agencies, career highlights include spearheading the technology giant SAP’s golf sponsorship portfolio for their agency, as well as leading the business interests of four-time major winner Ernie Els for over a decade.

“The team has had first-hand experience working with Phil over a number of years and we are excited to be bringing him in-house to lead the business into a new era, building on the excellent foundations that John has laid,” commented the Chairman of Nicklaus Companies, Howard Milstein.

“Phil’s breadth and depth of knowledge within the global golf industry is second to none and this, coupled with his demonstrable commitment to innovation and excellence, makes him the perfect fit to drive forward the Nicklaus business,” he added.

Phil Cotton, incoming Chief Executive Officer of Nicklaus Companies, commented: “It is a huge honor to be leading the team at Nicklaus Companies. Jack has matched his on-course achievements with both his business and philanthropic endeavors and I am excited to have the opportunity to harness the great talent that we have within the business to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to ensure that the Nicklaus name remains synonymous with quality, excellence and innovation.”

“I am also looking forward to working closely with the 8AM Golf group – a network of industry leading companies that provides us with a truly unique platform to help clients directly access a huge, highly-engaged global golf audience,” he added.