Former Nike Senior Executive to Oversee Global Communications Across the LIV Golf League
LONDON, NEW YORK and West Palm Beach, Fla. – LIV Golf has introduced Ilana Finley as the League’s new Chief Communications Officer. In this role, Finley will lead all global communications across LIV Golf, including external and internal communications for the League and its 13 teams, worldwide events for LIV Golf and The International Series, and the organization’s continued growth and impact on and off the golf course.
“I’m excited to join the team at LIV Golf as the League continues to break new ground in the world of sports and entertainment,” said Finley. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to drive impactful storytelling with global brands that are committed to building connections with diverse audiences by thinking boldly and being unafraid to take chances, and LIV Golf is doing just that. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m thrilled to help champion the League’s commitment to innovation, creativity and teamwork while making a positive impact around the world.”
Finley joins LIV Golf after serving as Vice President of Global Communications and Social Impact for Converse Inc., where she led all external and internal communications for the organization. In addition, she oversaw the company’s strategy for corporate giving, driving enhanced access and opportunity for underserved populations while strengthening community partnerships.
Finley moved to Converse after an 18-year career at Nike (owner of Converse) where she held a range of communications positions touching nearly every aspect of the business. She directed strategic communications for Nike’s Olympics initiatives, served as Communications Director for the organization’s business in Central and Eastern Europe, and led communications for Nike’s Emerging Markets efforts across Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Finley also served as Integrated Communications Director for the Nike Foundation, where she led advocacy programs supporting girls in developing countries across Africa, India and South America, enhancing the company’s investment strategy within international communities.
“Ilana is uniquely prepared to help LIV Golf continue its positive momentum into 2025 and beyond,” said LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “She knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities that exist when growing a global brand and she understands how to align competition, culture and entertainment to deliver a product that fans embrace. Ilana is a skilled leader and communicator with a sincere passion for positively impacting teams and communities around the world, and LIV Golf is proud to have her on board.”
Outside of her formal responsibilities, Finley has sat on the Board of Directors for the Newman’s Own Foundation, the Board of Trustees for the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network Advisory Board. A proud Tar Heel, Finley also sits on the Board of Visitors for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The hiring of Finley is just the latest addition to the League’s bolstered executive leadership team. Within the past six months, LIV Golf has added Adam Harter as Chief Marketing Officer, David Phillipps as Chief Financial Officer, Katie O’Reilly as Executive Vice President, Head of Team Business Operations, Ross Hallett as Executive Vice President, Head of Events, and has appointed Tim Taylor as Executive Vice President and Head of the League’s London office.
Earlier this month, the LIV Golf League completed its second full, 14-tournament season, won by 2024 Team Champion, Ripper GC(Captain Cameron Smith, Matt Jones, Lucas Herbert and Marc Leishman) and2024 Individual Champion, Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm. The League enters the offseason as it prepares for February 2025, when it will tee off its third official campaign in marquee global markets across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
