Nicklaus Companies appoints Phil Cotton as new CEO

Sports industry business leader Phil Cotton is taking over as CEO of Nicklaus Companies. He succeeds John Reese, who is transitioning to vice-chairman after being CEO for over 10 years.

Cotton will oversee the existing businesses and teams of Nicklaus Brands, Nicklaus Design as well as all corporate relationships and new business opportunities. He will work closely with business heads Andy O’Brien, president of Nicklaus Brands and Paul Stringer, president of Nicklaus Design.

“The team has had first-hand experience of working with Phil over a number of years and we are excited to be bringing him in-house to lead the business into a new era, building on the excellent foundations that John has laid,” Howard Milstein, chairman of Nicklaus Companies, said.

Cotton previously spearheaded SAP’s golf sponsorship agency portfolio, as well as having led the business interests of four-time major winner Ernie Els for over a decade.

“It is a huge honor to be leading the team at Nicklaus Companies. Jack has matched his on-course achievements with both his business and philanthropic endeavors and I am excited to have the opportunity to harness the great talent that we have within the business to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and to ensure that the Nicklaus name remains synonymous with quality, excellence and innovation,” Cotton said.