Callaway selected Ben Sharpe as managing director and president for the EMEA region, effective May 1, succeeding Neil Howie, who retires at the end of 2024 after 26 years with the company.
Sharpe is a senior leader in the global golf industry and joined Callaway in his role as chief franchise officer and general manager of Topgolf Technologies at Topgolf. Before this, he was president of Toptracer, responsible for green grass, range and venue sales and installations at courses worldwide, including broadcast technologies at major events.
Sharpe also understands the broader golf market, having worked at TaylorMade-Adidas Golf. “I have long been an admirer of the Callaway brand, and I am excited to work with Glenn and the Callaway team in developing market-leading products, supporting our retail partners and ultimately engaging golfers around the world to play more and play better,” said Sharpe.
Paying tribute to Howie’s nearly 26-year career to the success of Callaway’s European business, Glenn Hickey, President of Callaway Golf and EVP of Topgolf Callaway Brands, said: “On behalf of everyone at the company, I wish to thank Neil for his outstanding leadership and service. He began his career with us in 1998 as an Odyssey brand manager, helping to pioneer the brand’s growth to the #1 in Europe. In his subsequent 21 years as managing director and president of the wider EMEA business, he successfully steered the company into what it has become today. We wish Neil a very happy, healthy, enjoyable, and well-deserved retirement.”
The company’s top priority is to ensure a seamless transition from Howie to Sharpe starting next month. Both leaders will work together to achieve this during a formal transition process.
Images courtesy Callaway
