Greg Norman has spoken about LIV Golf’s new signing (Image: Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
Greg Norman has heaped praise on LIV Golf’s new signing. The breakaway league has made a raft of off-course appointments ahead of the 2025 season, and communications officer Ilana Finley is the latest to join the organisation.
The Ripper GC’s Team Championship victory in Dallas, which secured the players a share of the £10.5million grand prize, signalled the end of the 2024 calendar. The Saudi-backed tour is set to revamp its lineup before restarting in Riyadh this February.
While fans will pay close attention to any new stars joining the league, has made a strategic behind-the-scenes signing, bringing in former Nike and Converse employee Ilana Finley as the new communications officer. Despite her not being a marquee name on the green, LIV CEO Norman admitted he was thrilled to have Finley’s brand-building expertise onboard.
“She knows first-hand the challenges and opportunities that exist when growing a global brand and she understands how to align competition, culture and entertainment to deliver a product that fans embrace,” Norman said. “Ilana is a skilled leader and communicator with a sincere passion for positively impacting teams and communities around the world, and LIV Golf is proud to have her on board.”
Norman’s enthusiasm about LIV Golf’s new arrival was matched by Finley, who added: “Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to drive impactful storytelling with global brands that are committed to building connections with diverse audiences by thinking boldly and being unafraid to take chances, and LIV Golf is doing just that.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m thrilled to help champion the League’s commitment to innovation, creativity and teamwork while making a positive impact around the world.”
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New LIV Golf communications officer Ilana Finley (L) with Maria Sharapova (Image: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Nike)
Aside from Finley, LIV Golf has bolstered its team with several new appointments, recruiting different experts from outside of golf. Four teams will have new general managers next season, with former WME/IMG employee Nick Adams joining Ripper and ATP Tour vice president Richard Glover overseeing Stinger. Additionally, ex-Minecraft CEO Jonas Martensson will manage Cleeks, while e-sports expert Martin Kim will link up with Iron Heads.
As LIV prepares for future competitions, it’s gearing up for a head-on collision with the PGA Tour at the beginning of 2025. LIV’s first four events are set to directly compete with established golfing events, including the Phoenix Open, Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship.
The sporting world was taken aback last June when the PGA and LIV agreed to a merger framework, but it remains uncertain how much progress has been made since. This week in Scotland, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, and CEO of Public Investment Saudi Arabia Yasir Al-Rumayyan are set to meet – but their attention will be on competing in the pro-am Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.