MUMBAI: The Asian Tour has appointed ESPN Star Sports? old hand Mike Kerr as its CEO based at the Tour?s headquarters in Singapore.

Kerr will assume his role from 16 March. He will work closely with Kyi Hla Han, the Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, and help manage the strategic direction of the Tour with the aim of continuing to build and promote the global profile of Asia?s elite professional golf circuit.

Han said the appointment will also be focused on generating greater playing opportunities for the Asian Tour members.

"On behalf of our Board of Directors and membership, I am delighted to announce that Mike Kerr has agreed to take up the position as CEO of the Asian Tour. He has vast senior management experience in Asia and we believe he will add value to what is already a strong management team on the Asian Tour," said Han.

Kerr joins the Asian Tour with over 17 years of senior management experience in Asia. For the last 12 years, he has worked with pan-Asian broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) in a number of senior roles across the region.

In his last role, Kerr was Vice President of Affiliate and Multimedia Sales, responsible for ESS? channel business across Southeast Asia. He also has extensive advertising and sponsorship experience having previously led ESS? sponsorship strategy globally and managed direct sales in a number of Asian and international markets.

"I am looking forward to joining the Asian Tour which has grown immensely over the past few years. The Asian Tour is a global brand and these are exciting times for the game at the highest level in Asia. I?m delighted to be a part of it," said Kerr.

Kerr holds an Honours degree in civil engineering and a Masters degree in applied environmental science from the University of Edinburgh and Queens University, Belfast respectively.