Nigel Northridge, former chief executive of Gallaher Group, has accepted an invitation to join the European Tour Board as non-executive Tour Group Director.
Board chairman Neil Coles said: "We are delighted that Nigel has agreed to join. This is a timely appointment coming as it does when we are on the cusp of a new era in the history of the Tour with the launching of the Race to Dubai.
"Nigel brings with him a wealth of experience from the international market place which will greatly support our continued development of the game globally."
Northridge, 52, commented: "I have had a passion for the sport of golf, in all its facets, since childhood and look forward to contributing to its future development."
During his 30 years at Gallaher he presided over a sponsorship programme which included the Benson and Hedges International Open, part of the European Tour from 1971 to 2003.
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