Hannah McAllister named CEO of Wales Golf

Hannah McAllister has been named the new CEO of Wales Golf, becoming one of the world’s first female chief executives of a golf governing body.

McCallister, currently Development Director for the governing body, is a former international player who has specialized in the development of Welsh Golf for nearly 20 years.

In that time, the 42-year-old mother of two has spearheaded a number of development schemes helping to introduce more than half a million customers to the game.

Women in leadership

McAllister’s appointment comes at a time of increased industry-wide commitment to greater gender balance at all levels, galvanised by The R&A Women in Golf Charter.

“My appointment will set a good example to organisations that need to improve their gender diversity at a senior executive level,” she said. I am looking forward to showing what Wales Golf can do and how we can drive the sport forward in Wales.”

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Future vision

On the golf course, McAllister highlights a number of priority areas she plans to tackle: “There is a lot to do in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion within the sport, but we have made significant progress, and I am looking forward to building on this.

“It is also essential coming out of the pandemic that we focus on the health benefits of golf and that is it a safe sport to play. It can change people’s lives and improve health and well-being due to the social aspects and exercising in the great outdoors.

“There is a version of the sport for everyone, it can be low cost and good value for money, and we need to promote all the opportunities to get people to try the sport and take advantage of all golf has to offer.”

McAllister will take on the role of CEO later this summer.