A successful businessman and former international golfer is to head the company responsible for delivering Wales’ 2010 Ryder Cup programme, it was announced today (August 21) at the WPGA Championship of Europe at Royal Porthcawl.
John Jermine has been appointed chairman of Wales Ryder Cup 2010 Ltd, following an extensive and competitive recruitment process that began in May when the post was advertised.
Mr Jermine, a 59-year-old chartered accountant, has held senior posts in publishing with Thomson and electronic security, property maintenance and retail with ADT plc. He is currently non-executive chairman of a privately owned furniture retailer employing 400 people at 21 stores across England and Wales.
He has also been a high profile figure in the world of golf, winning the Welsh amateur title as recently as three years ago and helping to develop the Welsh Golfing Union’s coaching and support systems, which have produced talented players such as Bradley Dredge, David Park and Mark Pilkington.
‘John was the outstanding applicant in a very strong field of candidates,’ said Graham Moore, the Ryder Cup Wales board member who chaired the appointment panel. ‘In advertising the post, the board of Ryder Cup Wales was looking to appoint a person with exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. John’s knowledge of golf – particularly in Wales – is a bonus.
‘We are delighted that he has accepted the position and believe his commercial acumen and experience in golf will serve the company well in the run up to Ryder Cup 2010.’
Mr Jermine has represented Wales at international level since 1972 and served as non playing captain of Welsh teams at junior and senior levels. He is a life member of Radyr Golf Club and also a member at Royal Porthcawl, Sunningdale and the R&A.
In addition to his experience of business and golf, Mr Jermine has been involved in a number of charities, including the National Foundation for Educational Research, ReAction Trust, ADT Education Trust and the Cliff Richard Foundation.
He said: ‘I am delighted to accept this appointment. I believe Ryder Cup Wales has a hugely exciting opportunity to secure wide ranging, long term benefits for Wales. To this end, I look forward to working with all the partner organisations including the WDA, Wales Tourist Board, Newport City Council, Sports Council for Wales, Celtic Manor Resort and Welsh golfing bodies.
‘The opportunities that the Ryder Cup brings to Wales go way beyond the three-day match itself in Newport in 2010. We will seek to further develop the focussed strategy that will deliver immediate and long term benefits to the Welsh economy in general, and local business and golf in particular, as well as ensuring a successful event in 2010.
‘We owe a great debt to those who won the bid for Wales, not least the Welsh Assembly Government led by Rhodri Morgan, Sir Terry Matthews and The Celtic Manor Resort, and Tony Lewis, who led the bid team. My job, and it is a dream job, is to take the project to the next stage and drive it on. I look forward to starting work as soon as possible.’
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