St Andrews Links Trust has appointed former Cardiff Rugby chief executive Richard Holland as its new Chief Executive Officer. Holland will officially assume the position on September 1 after relocating to St Andrews with his family.
The appointment follows an extensive search process to replace former chief executive Neil Coulson, who departed earlier this year.
Holland brings extensive experience in sports administration and venue operations to the role. He served as chief executive of Cardiff Rugby for 14 years and chaired the board of trustees for the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation since its inception in 2018.
His earlier leadership career includes roles as executive director of Chepstow and Hereford racecourses and vice-president of corporate relations and sales at Celtic Manor in Wales during its hosting of the 2010 Ryder Cup. An active golfer himself, Holland plays to an 11 handicap and regularly played at his local course in Cardiff.
Holland takes charge of an organization employing more than 450 staff members and managing eight golf courses across St Andrews, including the Old Course, where the game has been played for over 600 years.
His arrival coincides with preparations to host The 155th Open on the Old Course next year. Over his initial weeks in the post, Holland plans to engage with colleagues, local community members, and trust partners.
A primary mandate for the role is executing the Trust’s strategic vision of operating sustainably while reinvesting in the preservation and management of the historic links and facilities on behalf of the town and its visitors.
Operating as a registered charity, St Andrews Links Trust works to increase public participation in sports while serving as an economic driver for regional and national tourism. A recent economic impact study indicated that St Andrews Links generates £317 million annually for Scotland's economy and supports more than 4,300 jobs across the country.
Upon his appointment, Richard Holland said:
“I’m honoured to be appointed to lead the Home of Golf into its next chapter.
“St Andrews Links has an extraordinary history, and I’m excited to play a part in ensuring we continue to respect what has gone before, while shaping an exciting future as golf grows in popularity and inspires people around the world, and right here in St Andrews.
“My first few weeks will be spent meeting and listening to people in the town and beyond as my family and I settle into our new home.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the team at the Trust, our partners and the local community as we continue to celebrate everything that makes the Home of Golf unique, create accessible pathways into the sport and deliver world-class experiences ensuring that we continue to work constructively to support golf locally, around Fife and further afield.”
Sandra Tuddenham, Chair of Trustees at St Andrews Links Trust, commented on the selection:
“We are delighted to have appointed Richard Holland. He is a highly experienced chief executive with a long track record of leading heritage-rich, publicly scrutinised sporting and hospitality organisations.
“His appointment comes at an exciting time for St Andrews Links as preparations to host The 155th Open next year gather pace, and we are confident that he will build on the Trust’s proud legacy while shaping a sustainable future for the Home of Golf.”
Source: ST. Andrews Links
