Topgolf appointed or promoted over a half dozen new executives across operations, finance, technology, golf partnerships and venue leadership in recent weeks, according to a Tuesday press release. These appointments come nearly three months after the chain hired David McKillips, former CEO of CEC Entertainment, as CEO.
“We’re building a leadership team with proven entertainment, sports and hospitality expertise to bring Topgolf into its next chapter,” McKillips said in a statement. “These leaders bring deep operational expertise, strong track records, and a shared focus on innovation, execution and creating long-term value for the business.”
The leadership team will better support the eatertainment company following its spinoff from Callaway, which was completed earlier this year. The spinoff returned the chain to private ownership through a $770 million sale to Leonard Green Partners.
The C-suite appointments and promotions are as follows:
- Jay Spears became chief information officer, effective April 6, after serving as CIO for nearly six years at CEC Entertainment. In his new role, he will oversee the brands’ technology organization and the teams responsible for “delivering innovative solutions that power Topgolf venues.” Spears will also help with the chain’s forward-looking digital strategy. He will oversee various tech functions, such as cybersecurity, data and games.
- Jason Weatherford, who has over 35 years of experience in the retail and entertainment industries, became vice president of in-venue sales, a newly created role, tasked with leading enterprise strategy, operational alignment and financial performance at Topgolf’s core venue services, such as food and beverage, retail, procurement, security, safety, facilities and golf instruction. He previously worked at Palace Entertainment.
- Erin Chamberlin was promoted from chief operating officer to president and COO.She will oversee operations, in-venue support services, event sales and technology functions. She previously served as interim president beginning in October and helped lead the transition and sales process from Callaway Golf Company to Leonard Green Partners.
- Susana Arevalo was promoted from senior vice president, finance and U.S. venues chief financial officer to chief financial officer. She oversees finance and accounting functions at Topgolf and has been with the chain since 2023. Her experience includes working at Wingstop and Yum Brands.
- Jon Olsen was promoted from deputy general counsel to general counsel. He leads the company’s global legal, compliance and risk management functions. He has been with Topgolf since 2017, serving in various leadership roles within the legal department, and helping the company expand through capital market activity, large-scale real estate growth and strategic transactions.
- Scott Blevins, formerly general manager of Toptracer, was promoted to president and general manager of Toptracer, a proprietary Topgolf technology. He will lead the global operations and expansions of Toptracer across golf course ranges and broadcast platforms. He also will oversee Topgolf Swing suites, the company’s golf simulator product.
- Amanda Lily Lam was promoted to vice president of golf marketing, another newly created role, for Topgolf and Toptracer, to lead golf partnerships for both brands. She will develop new events, campaigns and programs to appeal to avid golfers around the world.
Topgolf also transitioned from a two-region operational structure to a three-region model and appointed Northscott Grounsell as regional vice president, effective May 11. He has over 25 years of operational experience across casino gaming, hospitality, food and beverage and consulting. He joined Cheli Breaux and Chris O’Neil, who were both elevated from senior national director of operations to regional vice president, to oversee “operational performance across assigned regions, support venue leadership development and drive consistent execution in partnership with venue teams and Venue Support Center,” the company said.
