BIGGA Appoints New CEO

Andrew Mellon, Chairman of British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, (BIGGA) announced today that Jim Croxton has been appointed as the Association's Chief Executive Officer, after a thorough and searching recruitment process.

Croxton comes to BIGGA from the PGA, where he served most recently as Sponsorship Manager, having previously served as Regional Secretary of the PGA North Region and National Tournament Director.

Mellon said, "On behalf of the BIGGA Board of Management and our members I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Croxton as our new CEO. He is a confident, energetic and determined golf industry professional, with a track record of driving and implementing commercial and operational strategies, delivering successful and financially secure events and leading and motivating teams of staff. He has more than 12 years of experience of senior roles within The PGA, a volunteer committee-led members' Association.

Croxton said, "I am proud and delighted to be appointed to this role and am looking forward immensely to working with the Board of Management and the excellent team at BIGGA House to continue the work of the Association. The work of BIGGA members is fundamental to the future health of the game of golf and I am convinced that the Board's ambitions to raise the profile of this vital work are worthy and achievable. At the same time I am sad to leave the PGA as I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of 16 years employment with them but am heartened by the fact that the two organisations enjoy a close relationship so our paths will hopefully continue to cross."

Mellon said, "Through using the services of Colt Mackenzie McNair, we were able to identify many excellent candidates with a diverse range of experience. The process helped us to focus on the criteria which will be important to BIGGA as we move forward."

Croxton, born 27th July, 1972, is a BSc Honours graduate of Leeds University. An active golfer for over 20 years, playing off 6, he also represented Northamptonshire at Junior level. He regularly participates in several sports including 5-a-side football, tennis and skiing; and is a keen spectator of most sports, particularly football and rugby union. He lives near Macclesfield with his partner, Caroline, and children, Samuel and Megan.

BIGGA is the UK's leading professional Association actively working to enhance the professional reputation and well being of golf greenkeepers and other sports turf professionals.