A top banker has been chosen as the new chief executive of the R&A.
Martin Slumbers will take over as the chief executive when Peter Dawson retires in September 2015.
The 54-year-old will join the R&A from Deutsche Bank, and will also be secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
Mr Dawson will stand down after 16 years in charge of the R&A, which is responsible for organising the Open and, together with the USPGA, governs golf worldwide.
Born in Brighton and educated at Lancing College, Mr Slumbers graduated with a BSc in production engineering and economics from Birmingham University.
He qualified as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse in London before embarking on a career in investment banking.
He spent 12 years with Salomon Brothers International in London and Hong Kong before joining Deutsche Bank in 1998. He is currently the company’s global head of global business services.
A keen golfer, he plays off a handicap of two. The married father-of-two said he is looking forward to moving to St Andrews next year.
“Golf has always been close to my heart and I am very much looking forward to living and working in St Andrews.
“I am honoured to be appointed to lead the R&A and to serve such a historic and prestigious club”.
Professor Wilson Sibbett, chairman of the R&A, said: “I would like to congratulate Martin on his appointment.
“He has enjoyed a long and successful career and will bring a great deal of experience to the position.”