Former Spurs Sports & Entertainment Executive to Lead Talent, Culture, Facilities and internal operations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 17, 2024 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today the appointment of Samantha Simmons as its new Chief People and Internal Operations Officer (CPIOO). Simmons brings a wealth of experience, including her previous role as Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E), where she led talent strategy and people operations for a workforce of 1,300 employees, ensuring alignment with the organization’s broader goals. Prior to SS&E, Simmons held senior positions at HubSpot, Wayfair, and Koya Partners, further honing her expertise in human resources, operations, strategy and organizational development.

“We are excited to welcome Sam to the LPGA Executive Leadership Team as our Chief People and Internal Operations Officer,” said LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “Sam’s extensive experience across various industries will be invaluable as we continue to cultivate talent and enhance our organizational infrastructure and culture. The LPGA's success is driven by the dedication and talent of our people, and I am confident that Sam will play a key role in fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and inclusion as we focus on our continued growth and impact.”

In her new role, Simmons will lead the LPGA’s Talent, Culture and Facilities teams, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, talent management, compensation, leadership development, and retention initiatives. Her mission will be to build and nurture the industry’s most diverse and dynamic talent pool, ensuring the LPGA’s continued success and growth. Additionally, Simmons will partner closely with the LPGA’s executive leadership to advance the Association’s mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives.

“I’m thrilled to join the LPGA and have the opportunity to lead efforts that directly contribute to the organization’s goals of being a worldwide leader in sports and a top employer of choice,” said Simmons. “The LPGA has a remarkable legacy and mission at its core, and I’m excited to leverage my experiences across industries to drive a people and internal operations strategy that will help us advance both our short- and long-term goals.”

Simmons’ career spans various industries, including her role as Senior Director of Strategic Projects at HubSpot, where she led initiatives such as hybrid work implementation and international expansion to the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Canada. At Wayfair, she served as Chief of Staff and Group Head of People for three executives, with oversight of talent strategy across multiple areas, and prior to that, she managed senior leadership recruitment for the North American Retail business. Her earlier roles at Koya Partners, a national executive search firm focused on nonprofits and social impact organizations, further underscore her commitment to fostering diverse and impactful leadership.

Simmons also serves on the board of Visible Hands, a venture firm dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs nationwide. A Florida native, she currently resides in Central Florida with her husband, Brett.

Samantha Simmons Named LPGA Chief People and Internal Operations Officer

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