Golf Channel host KRAIG KANN is leaving the net to become LPGA Chief Communications Officer, beginning Aug. 29. Kann will reported directly to LPGA Commissioner MICHAEL WHAN and will head the tour's PR and communications efforts. He will oversee LPGA Dir of Media Communications MIKE SCANLAN and Dir of Tournament Regulations and Dir of PR HEATHER DALY-DONOFRIO. Kann was one Golf Channel's original on-air personalities when the network launched in '95 (LPGA). GOLFCHANNEL.com's Jay Coffin noted Kann has hosted "virtually every show on Golf Channel over the past 16 years." Whan and Kann "have been in communication over the past several months about the position," and Whan admitted that he "thought this partnership was a 'long-shot' the first time they spoke." Kann said, "This opportunity gives me a new energy, and I'd like to think that my understanding of the television business will help me in this new role with the LPGA." Coffin noted Kann in '10 founded HTK Media, a "consulting and media training company that helps corporations and athletes grow brands and frame messages" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 8/17).
SAYING GOODBYE: Kann said goodbye on-air last night saying, "I came to Golf Channel to help launch and build a network and along the way made more friends and professional relationships than a guy could dream for in an entire career. Never once did I feel it was about making a paycheck. ... You have no idea what this place means to me and I hope, in some small way, I have made Golf Channel a little better for having been a part of it" ("19th Hole," Golf Channel, 8/17). Golf Channel's ERIC KUSELIAS said Kann has been "one of the guys here almost essentially as soon as we opened the doors and has been one of the great ambassadors for golf and for this channel ("Morning Drive," Golf Channel, 8/18).
