Date: July 16, 2015
Author: Golf Australia

Peter Ritchie AO joins Golf Australia board

Peter Ritchie has been appointed to the board of Golf Australia.

Peter was the first employee of McDonald’s Australia and the first employee of the McDonald’s system outside North America. During the 70’s and 80’s he played a major role in every aspect of the company’s development from establishing raw product suppliers to the construction of new stores and the development of training programmes.

McDonald’s Australia grew to more than 500 stores and 50,000 employees during his time as Chief Executive.

In 1983 and 1991 he was a member of the Board of the US parent company, McDonald’s Corporation, and helped establish McDonald’s in most of the countries in Asia and the Pacific including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and New Zealand. He was a founding Board Member of McDonald’s Hong Kong, Malaysia and New Zealand.

In December 1995, Peter announced his retirement from an executive role at McDonald’s Australia after 25 years with the company. Peter was non-executive Chairman of the Board from 1995 until his resignation in December 2001.

Peter brings a wealth of experience having held significant board positions as Deputy Chair of  Channel 7 and a non executive director of Westpac.

He is currently Chairman of Mortgage Choice Australia Limited, Chairman of Reverse Corp Limited, and Advisory Board Member of QSA Group Pty Ltd.

He has always been an enthusiastic sportsman having represented NSW and Australian Universities in water polo and Manly-Warringah in surf lifesaving. He still plays competition tennis and is a keen golfer having long standing membership at The Australian and Elanora golf clubs in Sydney where he is a regular competitor.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of NSW.

In 2003, Peter was honoured with an Order of Australia award for service to business, education and industry development in Australia by providing employment opportunities and training for young people, and to the community through corporate, financial and material support for health and educational facilities.

In 2013, Peter received a Doctor of Business degree, honoris causa, from The University of New South Wales in recognition of his eminent service to the community and to The University of New South Wales.

Peter fills a vacancy on the Board created by the departure in March of former valuable Board member, and current President of Mona Vale Golf Club, John Karren.

Chairman of Golf Australia John Hopkins OAM  said “We are delighted that Peter is joining our Board.  He brings significant commercial and marketing experience and together with his long time involvement in the television media will add depth to the Board for the benefit of golf in this country.

He joins Robert Crosby, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Ken Richards, Michael Sammells, Carmel Smith, Jill Spargo and Malcom Speed AO to form a nine person board that will continue to steer golf in Australia.”

Click for more details on the Golf Australia Board.