Tag: Network of Excellence

GGA Partners Appoints Marc Newey as Director, Executive Search & Leadership Advisory, EMEA

Date:

September 30, 2026

Dublin, Ireland – GGA Partners has appointed Marc Newey, CCM, CCE as Director, Executive Search & Leadership Advisory within its EMEA practice, further strengthening one of the firm’s core consulting disciplines: helping clubs, resorts, and leisure businesses identify, recruit, develop, and retain exceptional leaders.

Marc will lead executive search assignments, leadership advisory engagements, and executive coaching initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Working closely with boards, owners, and senior executives, he will support clients in building leadership teams capable of delivering long-term strategic success.

A hugely respected figure in the club management profession, Marc has served as President of the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) and became the first executive in Europe and the Middle East to earn the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation through the Club Management Association of America. He has led resorts and clubs through growth, change, and long-term strategic development, with particular experience in building high-performing teams, aligning boards and executives, and strengthening leadership capability.

Rob Hill, Partner & Managing Director, EMEA, GGA Partners, added:
“Marc’s appointment is an exciting step forward for our EMEA practice and our Executive Search & Leadership Advisory business. Having worked closely with Marc and the Board at Roehampton Club for more than ten years, we have seen the impact of his leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to align stakeholders around a shared vision. As demand continues to grow for executive search, leadership development, succession planning, and executive coaching across our region, Marc’s experience and reputation will further strengthen our ability to help organisations identify, develop, and retain exceptional leaders.”

Commenting on his appointment, Marc Newey said:
“”After many years leading clubs and working alongside outstanding boards and management teams, I’m excited to begin a new chapter with GGA Partners. Leadership can have an extraordinary impact on an organisation’s culture, performance, and long-term success, and I look forward to helping clients identify and develop the talented people who will lead their clubs and businesses into the future.”

GGA Partners™ has offices in Toronto, Canada; Phoenix and West Palm Beach, USA; and Dublin, Ireland. For further information about GGA Partners™ visit: www.ggapartners.com

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GGA Partners™ contact:
Rob Hill
Managing Director & Partner
t: +353-86-681-2744
e: rob.hill@ggapartners.com

Notes to Editors:

About GGA Partners™
GGA Partners provides strategic consulting, executive search, leadership advisory, operations consulting, and transaction support services to leading golf courses, private clubs, resorts, hospitality businesses, and residential communities worldwide.

Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success.

GGA Partners EMEA Announces Integration of Cornerstone Golf

Date:

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

GGA Partners Renews Commitment to National Club Association

Date:

GGA Partners Renews Commitment to National Club Association and Private Club Community

Corporate premier partnership demonstrates GGA’s commitment to supporting the advancement of clubs nationwide.

Alexandria Va., March 24, 2025 – The National Club Association (NCA) is pleased to announce that GGA Partners (GGA) has renewed its commitment to the mission of NCA as a Premier Partner. Through this partnership, GGA will provide and contribute to industry-leading resources for NCA members.

GGA is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful private clubs. Its global reach and wide-ranging experience allow its professionals to deliver proven best practices and innovative concepts to all types of clubs. The firm and the partnership will offer expertise through articles and printed resources, NCA webcasts, live sessions, surveys and studies, and other platforms.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome GGA as a Premier Partner,” said NCA President & CEO Joe Trauger. “Their expertise in topics that are vital to private clubs and the private club community is invaluable. We look forward to continuing our work with GGA and providing insights for our members to advance their clubs and the community as a whole.”

“We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with NCA and its members,” said Michael Gregory, managing director and partner of GGA Partners. “Through this collaboration, we will conduct in-depth research to uncover the critical challenges facing private clubs—directly from the perspective of board members. Their insights will help drive meaningful solutions that support the industry’s continued success.”

About the National Club Association
The National Club Association (NCA) has been the advocate for the private club industry in Washington, D.C., for more than 60 years. As the voice of private clubs on Capitol Hill, NCA ensures that club concerns are forefront when legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry are being decided. In addition, NCA provides club leaders an outstanding array of resources on club industry trends, governance best practices, legal and operational matters and ways to strengthen club leadership. Learn more at  nationalclub.org.

For more information contact:
Michael Gregory
GGA Partners
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

Kim Fernandez
National Club Association
fernandez@nationalclub.org

 

GGA Appoints Joe Oswald as Executive Director, Consulting & People Services

Date:
Seasoned professional, Joe Oswald, will expand the firm’s Consulting & People Services

Toronto, ON – GGA Partners, an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities, today announced the appointment of Joe Oswald as Executive Director, Consulting & People Services.

“We are excited to welcome Joe Oswald to GGA Partners’,” stated Managing Director and Partner Michael Gregory. “Joe is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced executive in the golf and private club space, having led one of the industry’s largest software companies. Our clients and partners will benefit tremendously from Joe’s unique expertise.”

As a senior business leader and ICF certified coach who has led global organizations with successive years of profitable growth. Joe works with C-suite leaders and business owners to help develop their plans to be more and do more with their leadership and business potential.

“It is an honor to be selected to join the outstanding team at GGA Partners,” noted Oswald. “I have always been impressed with the experience and professionalism of the team, as well as their approach to delivering unique services tailored to the new realities of private clubs.”

Oswald was most recently president at Jonas Club Software, a Constellation Software company where he led 5 businesses. He previously served in several technology firms in roles as chief operating officer, executive vice-president, business development and as a principal in a national executive coaching and career transition services firm.

“Our team had the privilege of collaborating with Joe on a number of initiatives during his tenure at Jonas Club Software. We are confident his industry knowledge and expertise will benefit our clients,” commented Managing Director and Partner Derek Johnston.

Media Contact:
Michael Gregory
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

 

 

GGA Partners Renews CMAA Partnership

Date:
GGA Partners Reinforces its Commitment to the Club Management Profession with Renewal of Club Management Association of America Partnership

West Palm Beach, FL/Alexandria, VA – The Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and GGA Partners (GGA) are pleased to announce a three-year renewal of their corporate partnership.

Through the CMAA Partnership Network, GGA Partners will continue its longstanding commitment to the club management professional. The new agreement has been designed to further enhance GGA’s contribution to CMAA’s mission with strategic research initiatives and thought leadership.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with CMAA and their members,” commented Derek Johnston, Managing Director and Partner of GGA Partners. “Our new business partnership has been designed to deliver impactful education and industry research in the areas that will be most relevant to club leaders in the years to come.”

As a CMAA Business Partner and presenting sponsor of CMAA’s Business Management Institute (BMI) Leadership Principles, CMAA has enlisted GGA’s support with research and education targeting governance, strategy, membership, and analytics.

The partnership will benefit CMAA members through numerous initiatives, including the GGA Institute Club Perspectives research series, including several different rolling studies, each focused on a targeted group of key stakeholders: club leaders, club employees, club members and club partners. GGA will also deliver educational sessions each year that include a club strategy workshop at CMAA’s World Conference & Club Business Expo, a GGA Institute workshop at CMAA’s Leadership/Legislative Conference, educational support at BMI Leadership Principles, and other webinars, publications, podcasts, and other educational initiatives.

“We are excited to launch the next chapter in our partnership with GGA,” noted Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, President & Chief Executive Officer of CMAA. “Their team of professionals are committed to supporting education and research initiatives that promote the professional development of CMAA members, and we are incredibly appreciative of the very positive impact GGA has had on our association and our members over the past 15 years as a partner.”

For more information contact:
Derek Johnston
derek.johnston@ggapartners.com

Melissa Low, CAE
Club Management Association of America
goodnews@cmaa.org

 

GGA Expands Strategy Consulting & Transaction Advisory Services Team

Date:
Neil Brown joins the firm as Executive Director, Governance & Strategy.

Toronto, ON – GGA Partners, an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities, announced today the appointment of Neil Brown, Executive Director, Governance & Strategy.

“We are pleased to welcome Neil Brown to GGA Partners” stated Partner and Managing Director, Derek Johnston. “In addition to his extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, financial and risk management, Neil has served as the board chair and a board member for several member-based organizations and has extensive acquisition transactions experience. Our clients and partners will benefit tremendously from Neil’s unique expertise.”

A CPA by background, Neil has spent the majority of his career in professional services, serving as a partner with both Arthur Andersen and Deloitte. His experience in the club, sport, and entertainment sectors includes facility development, capital planning, operational excellence, and member development programs. He has worked with both local and global sport organizations and events helping them establish and continuously improve their governance activities in support of achieving their respective strategic priorities.

“The GGA team is passionate and committed to grow, innovate, and develop to better serve their clients. They offer a powerful combination of industry-leading strategic planning, governance, and transaction advisory capabilities,” noted Brown. “I am thrilled to support the continued growth of the firm.”

Media Contact:
Linda Dillenbeck
linda.dillenbeck@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

 

 

GGA Partners and the Club Management Association of Canada Renew Partnership

Date:
GGA Partners Reinforces its Commitment to the Club Management Profession with Renewal of Club Management Association of America Partnership

TORONTO, Ontario (December 18, 2023) – The Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) and GGA Partners are pleased to announce a corporate partnership renewal agreement for a three-year period. The CMAC Corporate Partner Program recognizes industry partners that share the values of CMAC and offer members support as leaders in the club management profession in Canada.

The renewal as a Platinum Corporate Partner will continue to showcase GGA Partners long-standing commitment to the professional club industry and CMAC members as a whole. As part of the new agreement, GGA will be providing people services, including the administration of two new research studies for the association. The first study will focus on a General Manager compensation and benefits study. A second study will be completed to provide compensation/benefits data for mid-management positions.

CMAC’s vision is to create great leaders through excellence in professional club management and its mission is to promote and develop the profession of club management. The Association offers a variety of programs and services in response to member needs and expectations including the certification program leading to the Certified Club Manager (CCM) and Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designations. Access to career opportunities, and a forum for networking for COOs, GMs, clubhouse managers, food and beverage supervisors, golf superintendents, chefs, and other professionals involved in club management are also important offerings of CMAC.

“We are excited to extend our relationship with CMAC and its members as a platinum corporate partner,” commented Michael Gregory, a Partner and Managing Director of the firm. “As a trusted advisor to many of the top clubs nationwide, we have the ability to seamlessly integrate our brand with CMAC and provide value to its members through our research and people services contributions.”

“GGA Partners continue to illustrate their dedication to the professional club industry and we’re thrilled to continue working with their group as a platinum corporate partner for the next three years,” indicated Suzanne Godbehere, chief executive officer at CMAC. “As a long-standing corporate partner, the firm has provided guidance and valuable industry insights to our members and we look forward to working closely with Michael and his team.”

About the Club Management Association of Canada

The Club Management Association of Canada is the national professional association for individuals involved in the club management profession in Canada. Since 1957, the association has been supporting members with education, certification, networking and member events to facilitate them being the best in the industry. Members include general managers, chief operating officers, assistant general managers, clubhouse managers, golf superintendents, chefs, controllers, food and beverage supervisors, golf professionals, as well as students interested in pursuing a career in club management. CMAC professionals work at private, semi-private and public golf clubs, country clubs, city clubs, faculty clubs and recreation and leisure clubs.

CMAC is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with over 650 members and 11 branches across Canada. For more information, please visit www.thecmac.ca.

GGA Partners Joins ClubWorks’ Network of Excellence

Date:
ClubWorks adds world-class management consulting firm to its platform of best-in-class companies, and expands its strategic leadership team with the acquisition of GGA Partners.

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA, March 7, 2023 – ClubWorks, a premiere private club and high-end hospitality-focused professional services platform, elevates its rapidly expanding service offerings with the acquisition of GGA Partners (GGA), a preeminent international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities.

Through this investment, ClubWorks will help accelerate the expansion of GGA’s service offerings to the ClubWorks client network, including strategy and operations consulting services, transaction advisory services, as well as executive search and advanced analytics services while expanding the firm’s market-leading research efforts. GGA’s leadership team will add further expertise to the ClubWorks Board of Directors, who are committed to the continued growth of this professional services platform.

“The unmatched strategy, finance and analytics expertise of GGA will benefit our clients immensely and makes them the perfect addition to our impressive portfolio of ClubWorks companies,” said Michael Leemhuis, Chairman and CEO, ClubWorks. “This acquisition furthers our mission to build a world-class professional services platform while adding some of the best strategic minds in the private club and hospitality world to our leadership team.”

As part of the Clubworks’ Network of Excellence, GGA will retain its highly respected brand, leadership team and professional staff to continue delivering high-quality, impactful strategic solutions to its clients. The additional resources and synergies afforded through the ClubWorks platform will also be incredibly impactful for the broader investment, real estate, hospitality, municipal and association related market segments currently served.

“This investment is strategic on many fronts, as the collective experience and expertise of the ClubWorks companies will help GGA better serve our clients by addressing often requested, and required, services by clubs and hospitality businesses around the globe,” said GGA Founding Partner Stephen Johnston “Our existing clients will continue to be served by our entire GGA team, now stronger than ever, and will have access to even more exceptional research, support and additional services.”

About ClubWorks
Formed in January 2022, but combining more than 100+ years of history and operations, ClubWorks is a growing professional services platform dedicated to the private club and high-end hospitality industry that is building an esteemed “Network of Excellence” across a variety of service offerings. Through its subsidiaries, Peacock + Lewis, JBD JGA Design and Architecture, Visionary Spectacle Studios, and now GGA Partners, ClubWorks is focused on providing top-quality deliverables and a best-in-class experience to its growing base of global clients which includes private clubs, restaurants, high-end hospitality, and select high-end residential clients. For more information on ClubWorks, visit www.clubworks.com.

About GGA Partners™
GGA Partners is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities. They are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives and maximize asset performance. Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, their global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success. For more information on GGA, visit www.ggapartners.com.

Media Contacts

ClubWorks
Henry Wallmeyer
President & COO
hwallmeyer@clubworks.com
202-400-1825

GGA Partners
Craig Johnston
Managing Director & Partner
craig.johnston@ggapartners.com
647-822-8972

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