Tiger Woods did mention it once back in 2022. “Greg has to go, first of all,” he said. The reason? Well, the 15-time major champ then felt that the CEO of LIV Golf needed to step down if there were to be any amicable talks between the two circuits. Fast forward a year, and it appears the golfer’s wish has reportedly started to come true. Reports indicate the Australian shark Greg Norman will be removed from the position soon.

But as one door closes, another opens. The same is the case with a seat of power, especially one that of the Chief Executive Officers. And to fill the same, there are a lot of talented individuals who have caught people’s eyes over the years and might very well replace Norman as the CEO.

Possible replacements for LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman

On one hand, the PIF-funded circuit has already started to join hands with the PGA Tour, courtesy of the framework agreement that was announced in 2023. And if the CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, is to be changed at such a crucial time, then the replacement must be a skilled executive in sports who has proven their skills over time. Some of them might even include;

1. Brett Yormark: The 58-year-old executive is probably the first choice that the London-based firm, Odgers Berndtson, looked at for replacing Norman as the CEO of LIV Golf. Who is he? Ever heard of Big 12? Who hasn’t, right?! Well, Yormark is the current commissioner of the conference, which he joined in 2022. Throughout his tenure that continues till now, the American has been the catalyst of a new media rights agreement with ESPN and FOX Sports, worth close to $2,3 billion.

That’s not all. He has also served as the CEO and President of Business Operations and Strategy of Roc Nation, the company founded by none other than Jay-Z, before which he had worked for the Brooklyn Nets for 14 years. Although there are reports of the talks with him having fallen through, until it hasn’t been confirmed, he remains one of the biggest names that can replace Norman.

2. David Phillipps: The Saudi-backed circuit, back in April, announced the hiring of Phillipps as the Chief Financial Officer of the league. Before joining LIV Golf, he worked as the CFO of the global collective of luxury lifestyle brands including Equinox, Equinox Hotels, Soul Cycle, and Blink Fitness. What’s more, he had also served as the SVP of Finance at Endeavor and as the CFO of the Americas and Europe, Africa, and Middle East divisions of Starwood Hotels. He also worked in various corporate finance roles with L.E.K. Consulting and Deloitte. Even though he was recently hired as LIV Golf’s CFO, the experience he brings to the table is more than enough to consider him a potential replacement for Greg Norman.

3. Tim Taylor: He was responsible for managing LIV Golf’s global financial operations for more than two years. But since April 2024, the Englishman took on the responsibility of being the Executive Vice President alongside leading the Saudi-backed league’s London office. If you are curious about his work experience, then take a closer look at the University of Durham graduate. He has worked as the CFO for various companies, including Pact Coffee, Sunspel, Netsuke Limited, and LIV Golf. Ask us if he can replace the commissioner, and we would say he has the required experience.

4. Ilana Finley: Back in September, the PIF-funded circuit had hired Finley as LIV Golf’s new Chief Communications Officer. And by accepting the same, she took up the responsibility to lead all global communications across the league and its teams, not to mention its various events and the International Series. Her prior experience? She had worked as the VP of Global Communications and Social Impact for Converse Inc., before which the executive served Nike for 18 whole years.

“Ilana is uniquely prepared to help LIV Golf continue its positive momentum into 2025 and beyond,” said Greg Norman himself as he added, “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.” You’ve got the shark himself acknowledging her. What else do you need?!

5. Paul Mitchell: Interestingly enough, Yormark wasn’t the first person PIF contacted via Odgers Berndtson. But there’s a catch. It was just that they did so for another position entirely. Yasir Al-Rumayyan-led investment fund had already used the London-based search firm to hire Mitchell as the new sporting director for Newcastle United back in July. Although his future at the club is deemed “uncertain” by many, as per reports, he may very well be a possible replacement for the current CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman.

These are but some of the names that have the potential to sit in the same chair that the Australian shark sat for the three seasons in which he led the Saudi-backed league. But that is if the reports of his replacement come out to be true. If not, then the ex-pro can sit back and lead the circuit for years to come… hopefully!