New golf chief set to bring Middle East experience to ladies' circuit

The Ladies European Tour has announced the appointment of Tom Phillips, who currently works for the DP World Tour, as the circuit’s new chief executive officer.

Phillips, who will take up the role as successor to Alexandra Armas in early April, is a shrewd appointment by the Buckinghamshire-based organisation.

He brings more than 25 years of experience across the global golf and leisure industry, raising his profile in his current role as the DP World Tour’s director of Middle East.

Tom Phillips is currently the DP World Tour’s Middle East Director but is moving to the LET as the circuit’s new CEO | LET

The Englishman was heavily involved in the circuit’s landmark title partnership with DP World and has overseen the continued expansion of the European Tour Group across the Middle East.

Six events, including three Rolex Series tournaments, now feature on the DP World Tour alongside two events on the HotelPlanner Tour, with combined prize money exceeding $35 million.

“Tom is a highly-respected leader with deep international experience and a strong track record of delivering sustainable growth,” said Marta Figueras Dotti, chair of the LET Ltd Board.

“His commercial expertise, collaborative approach and passion for the game make him the right person to lead the LET as we continue to build momentum for our players and our Tour.”

Prior to joining the DP World Tour in 2019, Phillips spent nearly 15 years working with six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo across London and Hong Kong, including as chief executive officer of the Faldo Series. He later served as chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Golf Association.

Aim is to ‘expand LET’s global reach’

“The Ladies European Tour has a proud history and an exciting future,” said Phillips, who has worked in the Middle East since 2005.

“I’m honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with the board, the team and the players to continue strengthening the Tour, expanding its global reach and creating even more opportunities for women in the game.”