LIV Golf Investments, led by professional golfer Greg Norman, appointed Sean Bratches as its chief commercial officer and Ron Cross as chief events officer.
Both Bratches and Cross will transition into their roles immediately and bring a combined 60-plus years of experience in golf and sports innovation to the company, which intends to make strategic investments in golf.
“We believe the game of golf is poised to grow on a global scale, and we are ready to make the necessary strategic investments to support its growth,” said Norman, CEO. “The addition of Sean and Ron to our leadership team delivers an unmatched level of experience and expertise that will allow us to make an immediate impact. I’m excited to get to work and look forward to the months ahead.”
Bratches brings more than three decades of experience in public and private equity company leadership, management and operations on a multi-billion-dollar scale in media, entertainment and sports sectors. He spent close to 30 years with ESPN, rising to executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, and serving on its Board of Directors. When Liberty Media purchased Formula 1, he moved to London to work as managing director, Commercial Operations, where he transformed Formula 1 from a motorsport series into a global media and entertainment brand.
Cross has spent the last 30 years in leadership roles at the PGA Tour and Augusta National Golf Club. He spent two decades at the PGA Tour running events, including the Presidents Cup, Tour Championship and World Golf Championships before moving to Augusta National Golf Club for eight years. As part of the leadership team under Chairman Billy Payne, Cross led its “grow the game” efforts, under Payne’s vision. He was integral to the organization as Augusta National and the Master’s Tournament partnered with the R&A, USGA, PGA of America, and APGC to develop and execute the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, the Latin America Amateur Championship and the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship.
