DELRAY BEACH, Florida – Topgolf Entertainment Group, which earlier this month completed its merger with Callaway Golf, has named Artie Starrs as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 5, 2021. Starrs, who was Global CEO for Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, will be responsible for the continued growth and expansion of Topgolf.
As Topgolf continues to look at global expansion, it appears that Starrs, because of his experience in the global franchise market, is a good fit. Starrs was in charge of 18,000 Pizza Hut locations across 10 countries.
Artie comes to Topgolf from Yum! Brands where he most recently served as Global CEO for Pizza Hut, overseeing its 18,000 locations across 110 countries. Prior to this role, he was president of Pizza Hut U.S., and before joining Yum! Brands, he served as Chief Financial Officer for Rave Cinemas.
Pizza Hut over the past few years has re-invented itself, with a more back-to-basics approached that helped revitalize the brand.
“We are thrilled to have Artie join Topgolf as he leads the company, together with the team, on its continued journey of accelerated growth,” said Callaway President and CEO Chip Brewer. “I am confident Artie’s leadership, track record of driving a global brand with a focus on operations and franchising, and digital transformation experience will add great value to the innovative team at Topgolf.”
Starrs is deeply connected to the Dallas community, where Topgolf is primarily based. He sits on the boards of The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, The First Tee of Dallas, The Tartan Board at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and Big Thought (The Creator’s Council).
“I am deeply honored and excited to be joining Topgolf as CEO. This opportunity marries my passion for the hospitality business with my lifelong love for the sport of golf,” Starrs said. “I could not think of a better time to join this brand, with so much momentum as we head into the future. I’m looking forward to joining the more than 18,000 Topgolf team members to build on their incredible business success and powerful culture.”
Starrs is set to succeed current CEO Dolf Berle, who previously announced his plans to pursue leadership opportunities outside of Topgolf after successfully leading the team through the completion of the combination with Callaway.
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