Callaway Golf snaps up former TaylorMade-adidas Golf CEO

Callaway Golf has today announced the appointment of former TaylorMade CEO Ben Sharpe as its new Managing Director & President EMEA. 

Sharpe will assume the role from 1 May, succeeding Neil Howie, who confirmed his intention to retire at the end of 2024 following 26 years of service. 

A familar senior leader in the global golf industry, Sharpe joins Callaway from his role as Chief Franchise Officer and General Manager of Topgolf Technologies at Topgolf. 

Prior to this, Sharpe was the President of Toptracer and responsible for green grass, range, and venue sales and installations at courses around the world, including broadcast technologies at major events.

In addition to his rich knowledge of the Topgolf and Toptracer businesses, Sharpe brings a deep understanding of the wider market from his time at TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company, vital experience as Callaway continues to develop and grow as a modern golf company. 

Sharpe was Vice President of TaylorMade from 2006 to 2012.

He then became Global President of adidas Golf in 2013, before serving as TaylorMade-adidas Golf CEO between 2014 and 2015. 

Prior to his time at TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Sharpe worked as MD at Lyle & Scott. 

Sharpe said of his appointment at Callaway: 

“I have long been an admirer of the Callaway brand and I am excited to work with Glenn and the Callaway team in developing market leading products, supporting our retail partners and ultimately engaging golfers around the world to play more and play better."

Callaway Golf sponsors a number of the world's best players including Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm and Sam Burns. 

Schauffele moved ahead of Rahm in the Official World Golf Rankings to a career-best third following his T8 at The Masters last week. 

He has now accumulated 18 top-10 finishes around the world since his last victory at the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open. 

Xander Schauffele is now up to a career-best third in the OWGR. He's now the highest-ranked Callaway player having bumped Jon Rahm into fourth.

— Andy Roberts (@AndyRobertsGolf) April 15, 2024

Glenn Hickey, President Callaway Golf and EVP Topgolf Callaway Brands, said: 

“On behalf of everyone at the company, I wish to thank Neil Howie for his outstanding leadership and service. He began his career with us in 1998 as an Odyssey Brand Manager, helping to pioneer the brand’s growth to the #1 in Europe. In his subsequent 21 years as Managing Director, President of the wider EMEA business he successfully steered the company into what it has become today. We wish Neil a very happy, healthy, enjoyable and well-deserved retirement.”

Callaway's goal is to have a seamless transition from Howie to Sharpe, starting next month. 

Both leaders are committed to the continued success of this business and will be working together during a formal transition process to achieve this.

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