Bivens resigned in July after several LPGA players voiced concerns about the financial health of the tour in the face of the economic downturn. Marty Evans has acted as interim commissioner.
"We established very strict criteria for the position of commissioner and Mike impressed us not only with his background and intellect but also his passion for golf," said an LPGA statement.
Whan, who will become the LPGA’s eighth commissioner, most recently served as chief executive officer of specialist hockey equipment manufacturer Mission-Itech Hockey. Prior to Mission-Itech, the 44-year-old held various roles with TaylorMade-Adidas Golf’s North American division.
Whan will assume his new role on January 4 2010. His first responsibility will be to secure sponsorships for existing and potential tournaments.
