Hi, I’m
Richard Heath
Epalinges
Summary
20 years as a sports director successfully delivering international conferences, meetings and sporting events, overseeing governance-related activities, renewing strategies, and sharing knowledge as a regular guest lecturer at AISTS, the International Academy of Sport Science and Technology. A Master's degree in Sports Management and Technology, an Honours degree in Geophysics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Engineering, and a Bachelor's degree in Resource and Environmental Science as well as certifications in leadership, entrepreneurship, decision-making, and public speaking. Driven by a passion for sport, harnessing lessons learned into being an inspiring leader and a recognised international golf competitor. A member of Swiss Who’s Who.
Overview
30
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Swiss Golf
Consultant
03.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Swiss Delegate, European Sport Directors’ Meeting and report with recommendations
Swiss Professional Golfers' Association
General Manager
01.2021 - 07.2022
Job overview
- Assembled an external/internal strategy commission providing an innovative strategic plan with increased responsibilities and funding concepts, and a new service-level agreement with the national association
- Introduced two new funding partners
The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS)
Lecturer in Sports Management
04.2006 - 04.2021
Job overview
- Guest Masters-level lectures in sport governance, management, and strategy
- Created EGA Internship Programme
European Golf Association (EGA)
Secretary General
11.2011 - 01.2021
Job overview
- The EGA's first full-time Secretary General, I progressed following six years as the EGA's first Championship Manager, raising the association to new heights over a 15-year period
- Selected Achievements:
- Introduced a new financial administration structure and annual reporting procedure
- Reviewed and clarified the constitution, terms of reference, and other legal documents for robust legislation
- Increased membership (13 countries), new championships (5), employee numbers and funding (↑250%) plus the introduction of R&A funding support for championship hosts
- Created a new level of cooperation and knowledge sharing with global partners: The R&A, DP World Tour, United States Golf Association, Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, American Junior Golf Association, Golf Australia, etc., and many international sports federations within Lausanne
- Reconstructed all technology, communication, and branding, including a world-leading online entry and event calendar system
- Provided hands-on development assistance for emerging nations, including ongoing event hosting programmes, official European-titled championships with external coaching scheme, government / partner liaison and themed seminars and meetings
- Managed crisis situations including a natural disaster, terrorist threats, COVID restrictions, and changes in global governance
- Balanced numbers of men’s and women’s championships and committee representation
- Created new connections with the European Institutions and led a 3-year Erasmus+ project
European Golf Association (EGA)
Championship Manager
01.2006 - 11.2011
Job overview
- Selected Achievements:
- Introduced a new standard of information exchange for committee engagement and effectiveness
- Reviewed and redrafted terms of competition for all EGA championships and matches, creating better understanding and increased enthusiasm among the membership
- Identified and prepared suitable venues, creating hosting schemes within emerging nations
- Compiled a 'Championship Resource Pack' for improved tournament procedures and education
- Raised EGA flagship championship status to a world-leading standard as determined by the World Amateur Golf Ranking
- Developed a scoring software solution with an external vendor subsequently adopted by many national bodies and The R&A
Geographic Information Systems / Remote Sensing Scientific Officer
12.1994 - 06.2004
Job overview
- Various Scientific and University Academic Contract Positions, including CSIRO, Agrecon, NSW NPWS, EHW Geoscience Consultants.
Education
University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
Entrepreneurship from Venture Creation
03.2024
University Overview
GPA: 89.9%
IMD Business School/AISTS
Executive MBA from Leadership & Decision-Making Module
12.2010
University Overview
GPA: 5.75/6
AISTS
Master of Sports Management & Technology
12.2005
University Overview
- Personal Thesis: Creation and Implementation of Specialised European Golf and Education Facilities | Grade: 6/6
- Group Thesis: Strategic Development of the Verbier Xtreme Freeriding Competition | Grade: 6/6
- Course Modules: Sports Law; Sports Medicine; Technology; Sports Management; Marketing & Economics; Sociology | Exam Grade: 4.9/6
- GPA: 5.63/6
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Bachelor of Science with Honours
12.1997
University Overview
- UTAS Key Research Centre Scholarship
- Thesis: Geotechnical / GIS Landslide Risk Assessment | Grade: 1st Class
- Reading Thesis: Geodetic Measurement of Plate Motion | Grade: 2nd Class
- Course work: Advanced Techniques in Mineralogy | Grade: Distinction
- GPA: 2:1
University of Canberra (UC)
Bachelor of Applied Science from Resource and Environmental Science
12.1995
University Overview
Eric Best Memorial Medal Recipient for Highest Honours
Skills
- Market Research
- Conceptual Thinking
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Writing
- Editing
- Publishing
- Revenue Analysis
- Financial Modelling
- Member Services
- Support
- Project Management
- Partnership Creation
- Maintenance
- Business Strategy Roadmaps
- Stewardship
- Team Leadership
Certification
- French Language (VIP Programme), 06/01/23, 04/30/24, Swiss French School, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Präsentationstraining (Public Speaking), 1999, Training - Beratung - Seminare, Hamburg, Germany
Accomplishments
- University Medal
- Technical Institute Medal
- Multiple Scholarship Awards
- University Report Award
Languages
ENGLISH
GERMAN
FRENCH
ITALIAN
Sporting Achievements
- 2 European Golf Titles
- 15 National Individual and Team Golf Titles
- 15 State and Regional Golf Titles
- 2 State Order of Merit Golf Titles
- 32 Golf Club Titles
- 2 Global Golf Post World Mid-Amateur First Team Selections
- 4 Golf Course Records
- Junior Ryder Cup Vice-Captain and acting Captain
- Representative Golf, Cricket, & Rugby
- Member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
Volunteer Honorary Work
- R&A Equipment Standards Committee, 01/01/24, present
- R&A/USGA World Amateur Golf Ranking Committee - European Advisor, 01/01/11, 12/31/21
- R&A-qualified Rules Official with 15 years’ international event experience, 01/01/06, 12/31/19
- World Handicap System 'Nomadic Task Force' Advisor, 01/01/17, 12/31/17
- European Tour Challenge and Satellite Tours Commission Member, 01/01/12, 12/31/21
- Lausanne Golf Club, Junior Development (individual assistance), Short Game Area Development and Golf Course Renovation Committees, Men’s A1 Captain, 01/01/09, 12/31/24
Timeline
Consultant
Swiss Golf
03.2023 - Current
General Manager
Swiss Professional Golfers' Association
01.2021 - 07.2022
Secretary General
European Golf Association (EGA)
11.2011 - 01.2021
Lecturer in Sports Management
The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS)
04.2006 - 04.2021
Championship Manager
European Golf Association (EGA)
01.2006 - 11.2011
Geographic Information Systems / Remote Sensing Scientific Officer
12.1994 - 06.2004
IMD Business School/AISTS
Executive MBA from Leadership & Decision-Making Module
AISTS
Master of Sports Management & Technology
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Bachelor of Science with Honours
University of Canberra (UC)
Bachelor of Applied Science from Resource and Environmental Science
University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
Entrepreneurship from Venture Creation
Similar Profiles
Margarita LytkoMargarita Lytko
SCHOOL MANAGER at Swiss Hospitality Group, Private Swiss UniversitySCHOOL MANAGER at Swiss Hospitality Group, Private Swiss University
Gopi BGopi B
Senior Business Analyst at Swiss ReSenior Business Analyst at Swiss Re
Yash SharmaYash Sharma
Recruiting Assistant at Swiss Medicare PVT. LTD.Recruiting Assistant at Swiss Medicare PVT. LTD.