American Golf to be headed up by former Matalan and New Look boss

International Leisure Group (ILG) in conjunction with Endless LLP has announced Nigel Oddy as their newly appointed CEO.

An experienced business leader, Nigel will succeed Gary Favell on the 11th of April 2023 and assume responsibilities for ILG, including Europe’s leading golf retailer, American Golf.

Bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the retail sector, Nigel most recently held the position of Interim CEO of Matalan, and prior to that, CEO of New Look. Nigel has a rich pedigree in market leading retail, having previously worked in C suite and senior roles with The Range, House of Fraser, and Marks & Spencer.

Nigel joins American Golf at an exciting time, where the sport is enjoying heightened awareness and growth in participation.  The senior team at American Golf welcome Nigel and look forward to sharing their passion for golf, a successful future and 2023 season, and continuing as the UK’s leading golf retailer. 

Related: American Golf Guide

Commenting on his appointment, Nigel said: “I am very excited to join the team at ILG and have been a customer of American Golf for many years. I have watched the progress of the company as an omnichannel golf retailer since Endless LLP acquired the company in 2018, and the new store concept is best in class in the UK and European golf retail.

“Additionally, it has a market leading position in Custom Fit golf clubs, a portfolio of wholly owned brands, and is developing multi-dimensional golf leisure sites. This is a Group incredibly well positioned to maximise the opportunity created by the explosion of golf participation over the last three years.” 

Richard Cotter, Chairman of ILG said: “We are very pleased to have Nigel join the Board of International Leisure Group as CEO, this is a very exciting time for the Group and for golf in general as participation levels remain very strong vs pre-covid numbers, with lots of new players joining the game and golf club membership flourishing. Nigel will bring a huge depth of experience having run multi-site retail, online and leisure businesses across Europe as we build on our position as the UK and Europe’s biggest and best golf retailer.”

James Woolley on Behalf of Endless LLP: “Endless are delighted to bring Nigel on board as the new CEO.  He brings a wealth of retail experience and will complement the existing board as we invest more into our retail footprint and omnichannel operations.  We remain committed to  ensure we continue to lead the way in bringing the best products and unparalleled service to help enhance the game of 5 million golfers in the UK.”