There is a new integral name in the golf community! Mark Darbon has gained fame for being a prominent influence over one of England’s leading rugby union clubs. However, as the man enters the golf world as the new Chief Executive Officer of R&A, his experience and expertise bring a newfound thrill to the community. But who is Mark Darbon? Let us find out.

The 45-year-old Darbon resides in the Greater Northampton Area, United Kingdom. He started his education at Bedford School in 1988. He then did his Master of Arts in Geography at Worcester College, Oxford University, and graduated in 2000. He has had a very rich professional experience so far.

Mark Darbon’s experience

Just a year out of university Darbon worked for Marakon Associates as an associate consultant for almost three years as per his LinkedIn profile. Following this, he was involved with Diageo for five long years, with three distinct roles over that time. He started as a Global Strategy Manager and then went on to work for the company in China as its Strategy Director there. Darbon returned and worked as the Commercial Director of Whiskey in Europe for one more year.

It was in May 2009 that Darbon joined LOCOG (the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games). He worked there as an Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff to the CEO initially and then got promoted to head of pre-game events a year later. Mark Darbon also proved his skills after he achieved the position of Head of Olympic Park Operations in the organization. From 2013–15, he worked in Brooklyn as Senior Vice President for Tough Mudder Americas.

What followed his Mudder experience was his role as the Chief Executive Officer of Madison Sports Group, and then he joined Northampton Rugby Football Club Ltd. in 2017. He has also achieved the title of Independent Non-Executive Director since April 2023 for England Hockey.

Darbon’s dedication to rugby

His efforts made it possible for the club to maintain a functional and impressive partnership with the Bedford Blues and Loughborough Lightning. According to the BBC, “Northampton announced a £1.1 million loss before tax in the year to the end of June 2023, but achieved a club record turnover of almost £22 million as Darbon navigated them through the post-coronavirus period, which saw Premiership clubs Wasps, Worcester Warriors, and London Irish fold.”

For Mark Darbon, leaving the club has been difficult as he worked and invested 7 years of his dedication towards rugby. He stated, “Rugby has faced some significant challenges, but the club is well positioned to continue to be successful into the future, on and off the pitch, whilst remaining at the center of our local community in Northampton.” Even as the 45-year-old has gotten a new role, he expressed his intentions of always observing the players, the coaches, and the overall future of the Northampton Saints.

Mark Darbon as the new CEO of R&A

The R&A has just announced that Darbon is going to take up his new position later this year. They shared a post on the official X handle where they stated, “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Darbon as the new Chief Executive of The R&A and Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Bringing with him a wealth of experience in senior executive leadership positions across the international sports industry, Mr. Darbon will take up his role later in the year.“

Darbon is about to replace Martin Slumbers, who notified us earlier this year that he would be leaving his position. According to the BBC, “Darbon is a single-finger handicap golfer who plays in Northamptonshire and at Saunton in Devon.” This golf enthusiast, with his remarkable career, has also been appointed as the Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. It is a 270-year-old club with a global membership of more than 2,400.

The Chairman of R&A has shown much excitement to have Mark Darbon and his caliber work for the organization. He said, “We believe he will be an excellent leader for The R&A and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and will play a key role in helping us to achieve our goal of ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for golf.”

However, the BBC has also announced that Mark will continue to lead Northampton Rugby Football Club for the time being. With many promises and potential, the R&A and golf worlds are about to see the skills of this immensely capable personality.