New European Tour Chief Executive unveiled

Keith Pelley has been unveiled as the European Tour's new Chief Executive following George O'Grady's decision to step down in November 2014

Keith Pelley has been unveiled as the new European Tour Chief Executive following George O'Grady's decision to step down in November 2014.

Pelley, who hails from the world of sports and media, will take up the role this summer.

He's currently President of Rogers Media, a Canadian media conglomerate with responsibility for 51 radio stations, 56 publications, 12 national TV stations and more.

Before joining Rogers, Pelley was president of Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium and CEO of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts.

Over the past 30 years, he's worked in the areas of rights management and negotiation, sponsorship, television production, marketing, communications, brand development and event management.

"I am delighted to welcome Keith Pelley to The European Tour as our new Chief Executive," said David Williams, Chairman of The European Tour.

"Keith's proven track record, extensive experience and outstanding leadership skills in both sport and media will be invaluable as we continue to further develop our strategy.

"He knows the game, respects its history and I have no doubt he will bring an innovative approach to the development of The European Tour on the global stage."

Williams also paid tribute to O'Grady, who relinquishes the position after more than 40 years at the helm.

"On behalf of the board I would again like to thank George O'Grady for his extraordinary contribution to The European Tour.

"We are delighted that he will undertake the role of President of International Relations, ensuring The European Tour will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience."

Pelley, who also received the backing of Thomas Bjorn, Chairman of The European Tour's Tournament Committee, added:

"I am very honored to be joining The European Tour as its new CEO at an exciting stage in its development.

"The tour already has a highly regarded reputation and I look forward to building on this using my previous experience to ensure it remains at the forefront of the game across the globe."