The R&A has announced Mark Darbon as its new chief executive, succeeding Martin Slumbers, who will retire later this year.
Darbon will also assume the role of secretary for the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. The transition occurs just in time for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon this month.
Mark Darbon, 45, has a diverse and impressive background. Previously, he was a senior member of the team organizing the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games and served as an adviser to the International Olympic Committee from 2013 to 2018.
He is currently the CEO of Northampton Saints, a Premiership Rugby club, where he implemented a commercial strategy that led the club to its first Premiership title since 2014 and record revenues post-pandemic.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Darbon stated:
“I am thrilled and honored to be taking up these positions with the R&A and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and to be moving into golf, a sport I have always loved.”
He highlighted the R&A’s significant impact on golf, from grassroots initiatives to the professional level, and looks forward to contributing to its future success.
Darbon’s extensive resume includes experience as a management consultant at Marakon Associates, various strategic roles at Diageo plc, and executive positions at Tough Mudder Inc and Madison Sports Group.
His sporting achievements are equally notable, having been an England Under-21 field hockey international and currently playing golf with a handicap of 3.1. Additionally, Darbon is a non-executive director of England Hockey and Women’s Premiership Rugby.
Niall Farquharson, R&A chairman, praised Darbon’s appointment, emphasizing his vast experience in the global sports industry and his ability to lead successful teams and events.
Farquharson expressed confidence that Darbon would be an excellent leader for the R&A and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, aiding in achieving a prosperous and sustainable future for golf.
Darbon will officially take over his new responsibilities in November, following a pattern of leadership at the R&A that values strong business acumen and a passion for golf, as evidenced by his predecessors, Slumbers and Peter Dawson.
