Executive Search: Chief Executive Officer, Ford Field & River Club

Chief Executive Officer
Ford Field & River Club
Richmond Hill, Georgia

CLUB OVERVIEW

The Ford Field & River Club (“The Ford” or the “Club”) is an 1,800-acre private residential luxury golf and sporting club community on the Ogeechee River. It features a Pete Dye-designed golf course, golf clubhouse, deepwater marina, equestrian center, fitness center, spa, tennis and pickleball courts, two pools, and miles of hiking trails. The golf course, which hosts nearly 9,000 rounds annually, is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and serves as the home of the Ford Collegiate, an NCAA Division I men’s golf tournament. Originally established as the winter retreat of Henry and Clara Ford, The Ford has remained true to its ecological heritage and coastal character. This commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in the community’s Audubon Certification for environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, water conservation, and education, as well as its employment of an onsite naturalist.

The Ford is known for its natural beauty, top-tier amenities, and strong sense of community. Its understated Lowcountry elegance, casual sophistication, stylish comfort, and refined design create a living and recreational environment that is both graceful and welcoming.

In 2025, The Ford received four Best Place to Work awards and was named to the Hospitality Top Workplaces list by TopWorkplaces.com. The community has also earned 5-Star Platinum Club status three consecutive times and was recognized among the Top 150 Platinum Country Clubs of America for 2025-26. Additionally, Luxury Magazine recently named The Ford a Top Second-Home Destination for Families. This premier lifestyle community comprises five distinct enclaves with approximately 400 homes and homesites. Its member-owned amenities are complemented by a strong and engaged membership base, including 254 resident equity members and 14 non-resident members, with approximately 100 lots remaining for sale.

The Ford is currently in the midst of a $25 million amenities upgrade that will deliver a renovated and expanded clubhouse, a new golf practice facility, a new pool, and an updated casual dining experience. The amenities upgrade is scheduled for completion by January The investment reflects The Ford’s confidence in the future and commitment to the long-term stewardship of its amenities and community.

The Ford has approximately 120 full-time employees, a nine-member Board of Directors, and a five-member Property Owners Association Board. It is organized as a not-for-profit taxable corporation.


POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role offers a dynamic leadership opportunity at a premier private club and residential community. The CEO serves as the primary architect of the community’s long-term trajectory and will work with the Board to align its priorities, member expectations, and operational realities into a cohesive long-term vision. The CEO holds ultimate accountability for enterprise growth, financial performance, and brand stewardship.

The CEO will have a significant focus on real estate sales while simultaneously ensuring that the member experience is world-class. The CEO will align real estate development, sales and marketing, and club operations to support residential growth and long-term value creation, while empowering the General Manager to lead day-to-day operations and hospitality. The CEO will also serve as a visible ambassador for The Ford’s lifestyle, value proposition, and residential opportunities.

 

View Full Position Description & Requirements

Apply for the Position

SEARCH EXECUTIVE TEAM

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner 
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Henry DeLozier
Partner
henry.delozier@ggapartners.com

 

 

GGA Partners EMEA Announces Integration of Cornerstone Golf

Tuesday 8th September, 2026

GGA Partners has announced the integration of the advisory activities of Cornerstone Golf, further expanding the international consulting firm’s capabilities and expertise across the golf, resort, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

The move follows the successful divestment of Cornerstone Golf’s operating interests, enabling founder John Weir to focus exclusively on advisory and consulting work. As part of this transition, Weir joins the GGA Partners EMEA office as a Director, where he will play a key role within the firm’s transaction advisory practice, supporting clients on acquisitions, disposals, investment opportunities, strategic partnerships, and development projects.

GGA Partners and John Weir have successfully collaborated on assignments throughout the UK, Europe, and internationally. This integration represents a natural evolution of that long-standing professional relationship, bringing together highly complementary experience and expertise to better serve clients navigating complex strategic, operational, and investment decisions.

Commenting on the announcement, John Weir said:
“Having completed the sale of Cornerstone Golf’s operating businesses, my focus is now entirely on advisory work and helping clients navigate the opportunities and challenges they face. GGA Partners has long been recognised as a leader in strategic consulting and transaction advisory services, and I am delighted to be joining a team whose values, expertise, and client-focused approach align so closely with my own.
Having worked alongside the GGA team on numerous occasions over the years, I know firsthand the calibre of its people and the impact of their work. Joining GGA provides an opportunity to contribute to a firm I have long respected and to help clients navigate complex decisions through informed advice, commercial insight, and practical solutions.”

Rob Hill, Managing Partner, EMEA, GGA Partners, added:
“John is one of the most respected and experienced professionals in golf, bringing a unique combination of operational, ownership, investment, and advisory experience. We have worked together for many years and have always valued his commercial insight, practical perspective, and deep understanding of business performance.

This integration represents a natural evolution of that relationship and strengthens our ability to support clients, particularly in the specialities of investment, transactions, strategic growth, and business transformation. John’s appointment further enhances the breadth of expertise we can bring to our clients around the world.”

The integration reinforces GGA Partners’ commitment to delivering industry-leading advisory services across strategy, governance, operations, transaction advisory, financial planning, membership, development, and destination planning. Existing Cornerstone Golf consulting clients will continue to receive uninterrupted service while benefiting from access to GGA’s broader team, specialist expertise, international experience, and global reach.

Media Contact:
Rob Hill
rob.hill@ggapartners.com

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