Board of Directors

Solheim is President of PING, which was founded by his grandfather, Karsten Solheim.

He started at PING as a design engineer and project manager. As VP of Engineering he guided the company’s product development efforts, overseeing a staff of 60.

In 2011, he was named President of PING Golf Japan, where he oversaw all aspects of the company’s business in Japan and Asia.  In 2017, he became President, the role he serves in today.

Solheim graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University, where he also completed an Executive MBA degree.

John K., as he’s known, is married with four children. He enjoys traveling with his family, competing in triathlons, playing golf and music.

During his 10 years at the helm of PGA TOUR Superstore, Dick Sullivan and his team have tripled the company’s U.S. store count through coast-to-coast expansion and built a robust worldwide e-commerce business. With 35 stores in 15 states and a vibrant online presence, PGA TOUR Superstore serves more than 7.5 million customers annually and posted an overall sales growth of 14% in 2018.

Prior to Sullivan’s current position, he was instrumental in helping build two of the most respected brands in America – The Home Depot and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons – as CMO for both organizations.

Home Depot’s sponsorship of the Olympics and NASCAR were among the successful marketing initiatives started during Sullivan’s tenure. Home Depot and Falcons owner Arthur Blank then brought him to the NFL, where Sullivan helped transform the Falcons into one of the most fan-friendly teams in sports. In his first year with the Falcons, Sullivan’s aggressive marketing campaign helped the team set a league record for the highest increase in new season ticket sales.

Sullivan is the Chairman of the NGF’s Board of Directors, the first executive from the golf retail side of the industry to be elected to the position in the NGF’s 82-year history. He also serves on the Board of Floor & Decor.

Sullivan hails from Needham, Massachusetts, and is a graduate of Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. He lives in metro-Atlanta with his wife Shanna and their children.