Phelps takes the place of Andy Stanton who, having been chairman of The Celtic Manor Wales Open since its inception in 2000, has retired to focus on his business interests.
A leading figure in the sports marketing and sponsorship industry, Phelps has previously held senior roles with Canon Europa and Lloyds TSB Group as well as acting as a consultant to The Celtic Manor Resort during a spell with sports marketing firm Frontiers Group.
When at Canon, Phelps was responsible for the EMEA region and a wide portfolio of golf sponsorships including a partnership with The European Tour, The Canon European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre, sponsorship of the 32nd Ryder Cup Matches at Valderrama and the creation of the European U-21 championships.
Other sponsorships that Phelps undertook at Canon included the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Euro ‘96, the UEFA Champions League, the African Nations Cup and the Russian domestic league and cup competitions.
Phelps said: “We will be hosting the Ryder Cup in 2010 and, although it sounds a long way off, by working hard to increase the appeal and standing of The Celtic Manor Wales Open, we will ensure that the Ryder Cup itself is a polished, professional event that provides the greatest possible benefit to players, spectators and everybody else involved.”
