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Asian Tour announces senior management appointments

The Asian Tour Board of Directors has announced the appointments of Kyi Hla Han as Executive Chairman and Gerry Norquist as Senior Vice President, Commercial Development with immediate effect.

Board Member Rick Siemens said that the dual appointments are part of the key strategic development of the Asian Tour, which this year will enjoy another record-breaking season.

"We are delighted to announce the appointments of Kyi Hla Han and Gerry Norquist as members of the Tour's Senior Management Team. We believe they will assist greatly in the continued growth and expansion of the Asian Tour and we appreciate the sacrifice that both have made in giving up their playing careers," said Siemens.

Myanmar's Han, who is also the Board Chairman, will work with the senior management team to drive the Asian Tour forward. Norquist, who hails from the United States, will focus primarily on the commercial development of the Tour in relation to generating new partnerships with Corporate Asia.

With their vast experience as playing professionals, both will also play a key role in maintaining player-relations on Tour and maximising playing opportunities for the Tour’s membership.

In 2006, the Asian Tour will stage a total of 27 tournaments with a record prize fund of over US$24 million. This is an increase of US$4 million in prize money from last year.

The Asian Tour is the official regional sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia. The mission of the Asian Tour is to expand tournament golf so as to substantially enhance the careers of its members, thereby developing and growing golf in Asia while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game.

The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status.

November 6, 2006