The president of business operations at English Premier League soccer club Aston Villa is leaving the role after two years, and will reportedly take up a similar position at LIV Golf.
Per The Telegraph’s Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace, Chris Heck will join up with LIV Golf at the end of the current Premier League season, with Aston Villa’s final game coming on May 25th away to Manchester United.
The American was appointed by Aston Villa two years ago and, according to Wallace, his remit was to almost double the club’s revenue in four years. The club’s revenue was around £218m (approximately $290m) when he joined, and is expected to stand at around £375m (approximately $500m) when the club reveals its annual revenue for the current financial year.
The 56-year-old will certainly bring a wealth of experience to the role. Among his previous positions have been the president of business operations at New York Red Bulls soccer club and the president of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team.
Aston Villa has confirmed Heck's departure, from his current position, stating his decision not to renew his contract with the club is "to be closer to his family."
The reported arrival of Heck would not be the only change at the top of the organisation in recent months. In January, the former chief of Merlin Entertainments, Scott O'Neil, replaced Greg Norman as LIV Golf CEO. Since O’Neil started, LIV Golf has announced broadcast deals with Fox Sports in the US and ITV in the UK as well as welcoming a number of other sponsors.
Scott O'Neil took over as LIV Golf CEO in January
In 2023, it was reported that court documents revealed LIV Golf generated “virtually zero” revenue in its first season the previous year. In February, Money In Sport newsletter reported that financials filed for 2023 showed that revenues increased from $4.9m to $37.1m, although Golfweek’s Adam Schupak noted that the overall financial outlay from the Saudi Public Investment Fund behind LIV Golf could approach $5bn by the end of 2025.
Golf Monthly has contacted LIV Golf for comment.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Michael Block Books PGA Championship Return In Qualifying EventThe club pro finished T3 in the PGA Professional Championship to qualify for the Major along with 19 others
-
Tyler Collet Facts: 10 Things To Know About The PGA ProfessionalClub pro Tyler Collet has demonstrated plenty of ability in some big events – here are 10 things to know about him
-
Lanny Wadkins Says LIV Golfers Must Face 'Repercussions' Before PGA Tour ReturnThe retired broadcaster doesn't see how LIV Golfers can return to the PGA Tour without sanctions
-
9 Big Names Still Searching For Their First Win Of 2025Some big names of men’s and women’s golf have yet to experience the winning feeling so far in 2025 – here are some of the most notable
-
Report: LIV Golf Engaged In Renewed Discussions Over World Ranking PointsThe big-money league is reportedly in discussions with the Official World Golf Ranking over the possibility of securing the points over a year after it abandoned initial plans
-
Joaquin Niemann Earns US Open Spot After Latest LIV Golf WinThe LIV Golf Mexico City champion has booked his spot for Oakmont via LIV's recently announced US Open exemption
-
Richard Bland Makes Albatross At LIV Golf Mexico CityThe Cleeks GC player found the hole with just his second shot at the par-5 16th during the second round of the tournament
-
Bryson DeChambeau Produces 377 Yard Average Off The Tee At LIV Golf Mexico CityThe American had the driver firing during his first round in Mexico City, with DeChambeau producing mammoth drive after mammoth drive at Club de Golf Chapultepec
-
How Many LIV Golfers Have Qualified For the PGA Championship?Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka are just two of 13 players from LIV Golf who will be able to tee it up at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow
-
Watch Bryson DeChambeau Smash 400+ Yard Monster Drive In LIV Golf Mexico PracticeDeChambeau is hitting mega drives this week in the 7,800ft altitude setting of Golf Club de Chapultepec in Mexico City
