In a move that’s sure to keep heads turning, LIV Golf has named Ilana Finley as its new Chief Communications Officer, a role where she’ll be pulling all the strings when it comes to global communications across the LIV Golf League.
Finley will be overseeing everything from external and internal communications to the League’s events, including The International Series.
And with LIV’s growing presence both on and off the course, Finley’s leadership is bound to keep the league’s reputation swinging high.
“I’m excited to join the team at LIV Golf as the League continues to break new ground in the world of sports and entertainment,” said Finley.
“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.”
This isn’t Finley’s first rodeo. Before her new gig, she was Vice President of Global Communications and Social Impact for Converse Inc., where she led the charge on all things communication.
From running internal and external communications to driving corporate giving strategies for underserved communities, Finley has been at the forefront of impactful change.
Before Converse, she spent 18 years at Nike (Converse’s parent company), where she took on key roles in strategic communications across several markets.
Whether it was for Nike’s Olympic initiatives, business in Central and Eastern Europe, or emerging markets across Asia and South America, Finley was always ahead of the game.
At Nike, she also led advocacy programs with the Nike Foundation, championing causes that aimed to improve the lives of girls in developing countries. Her work made a global difference, stretching from Africa to India and beyond.
“Ilana is uniquely prepared to help LIV Golf continue its positive momentum into 2025 and beyond,” said LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman.
“She knows firsthand 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.
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.”
It’s not just about the day job for Finley. Outside of the office, she’s active in philanthropy and the arts, sitting on the Board of Directors for the Newman’s Own Foundation and the Board of Trustees for the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston.
She’s also on the Women’s Network Advisory Board of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Visitors for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her alma mater.
Finley joins LIV Golf’s bolstered executive leadership team, which has been steadily expanding over the past six months.
Notable additions include Adam Harter as Chief Marketing Officer, David Phillipps as Chief Financial Officer, Katie O’Reilly as Executive Vice President, Head of Team Business Operations, Ross Hallett as Executive Vice President, Head of Events, and Tim Taylor as Executive Vice President and Head of the League’s London office.
As for the league itself, LIV Golf just wrapped up its second full season, with Ripper GC taking the 2024 Team Championship title and Jon Rahm of Legion XIII winning the Individual Championship.
With its third season set to tee off in February 2025, LIV is getting ready to take on new global markets across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
