Per Wasserman Media Group (WMG), WMG has acquired the Greg Norman Production Company (GNPC) from the legendary golfer. GNPC is one of the golf industry’s foremost event management firms overseeing several of the sport’s marquee tournaments. Their 18-person management team, led by Vice President Taylor Ives, has transitioned to Wasserman, which will now operate the PGA TOUR’s Franklin Templeton Shootout, Valero Texas Open and OHL Classic at Mayakoba, as well as a tournament on the LPGA Symetra Tour and numerous other philanthropic and corporate events. Greg Norman will continue to host the Franklin Templeton Shootout and provide customary involvement to the Valero Texas Open and OHL Classic at Mayakoba.
As a separate but related initiative, Greg Norman has engaged Wasserman to assist with new commercial endorsements and corporate partnerships in an effort to continue to grow his expansive portfolio that has spanned three decades. Norman won more than 90 tournaments worldwide, including two British Open Championships, and claims the distinction of having held the No. 1 position in the world rankings for 331 consecutive weeks. As one of the most prolific players in the game’s history, the culmination of an astounding career came in 2001 when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 2009 and 2011, Greg served as the Presidents Cup Captain of the International Team and his strong influence in the game continues today as lead golf analyst for FOX’s USGA coverage.
Legendary for his tenacity and pursuit of perfection, Greg Norman has approached business with the same vigor with which he attacked the golf course and he has parlayed his success into a multi-national corporation, Great White Shark Enterprises, which he currently serves as Chairman & CEO. Spanning 20 different businesses today, GWSE is a mini-conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of well-established and successful companies ranging from lifestyle-driven consumer products (apparel, wine, beef), to golf course design (95 international courses), to asset-based debt lending (Great White Shark Opportunity Fund). Additionally, his philanthropic efforts have quietly raised more than 12 million dollars for charities including CureSearch for Children’s Cancer and the Environmental Institute for Golf, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
While his well-documented accomplishments on the golf course have assured his place in sporting history, his sound business acumen has established him as world-class entrepreneur.
“Bringing GNPC’s successful event management platform and team to Wasserman is a perfect complement to our thriving golf and premier event activation practices,” said John Mascatello, EVP and Managing Director of Golf at Wasserman.
Casey Wasserman added: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Greg Norman and add one of the all-time legends of the game to our client roster of prestigious and talented golfers.”
“Over the past 15 years we have proudly built Greg Norman Production Company into the elite event management firm in golf. I am confident that GNPC will benefit from Wasserman’s expertise and world-class reputation for success, and I look forward to watching the company achieve new heights,” said Greg Norman. “This is the start of a tremendous partnership and I look forward to working with the Wasserman team in all capacities in the years to come.”
Founded in 2002, Wasserman Media Group is a leading sports, entertainment and lifestyle marketing and management agency that represents brands, properties and talent on a global basis. Wasserman is headquartered in Los Angeles and also has operations in Carlsbad, Doha, Dubai, The Hague, London, Miami, New York, Portland, Raleigh, Sao Paulo, Singapore and Toronto. For more information please visit www.wmgllc.com.