In recent weeks, some more staff changes occurred within the top ranks of LIV Golf as the rival tour prepares for its second season in about a month.
LIV Golf sunsetted Majed Al Sorour’s particular duties as managing director after he played key roles in securing several top-tier golfers, landing a broadcast deal with The CW, and setting the schedule. LIV Golf’s chief marketing officer, Kerry Taylor, and chief communications officer, Jonathan Grella are also no longer with LIV Golf.
“As LIV begins our second year, we are grateful to the team that helped get us off the ground and launch such a successful start-up,” LIV Golf said in a statement. “We have a group of hard-working, dedicated staffers and we understand from time to time personnel will move on or decide to pursue other endeavors. In all cases, we are appreciative and will continue to assemble a world-class team to guide us through our second year.”
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that the departures weren’t voluntary. A source with knowledge of the situation told Front Office Sports that the staff changes are a normal part of a growing sports league as goals and needs change as LIV Golf matures as an organization.
Sorour, the Saudi Golf Federation director, remains on LIV Golf’s board. He had reported directly to CEO and commissioner Greg Norman.
The changes started late last year, most notably with Atul Khosla departing as COO. Gary Davidson, Richard Marsh, and Jed Moore — sports execs who helped secure funding from the Saudi Public Investment Fund Program — were tapped to take active roles within LIV.
The 2023 LIV Golf season begins at Mexico’s El Camaleón Golf Course on the Yucatan Peninsula on Feb. 24.
