Matthew Kesteven Selby: Leading the Future of Golf Marketing & Sponsorship Activation

Matthew Kesteven Selby is a British sports marketing strategist born in August 1981, currently serving as the Group Chief Commercial Officer at Performance54. With over two decades of experience in event management, tourism, motorsport, and golf sponsorship, he has driven major commercial growth through strategic partnerships, tech-enabled fan experiences like Behind The Volt, and operational excellence. His blend of commercial savvy and creative leadership has positioned him as a pivotal figure in global sports sponsorship.

Early Life and Education

Matthew Kesteven Selby was born in August 1981 in England. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in business strategy and sports. His academic journey began at the prestigious City of London Freemen’s School, where he developed a foundation in analytical thinking and leadership. Later, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics from Charleston Southern University in the United States. His international education helped him shape a global mindset early on, which would later serve him well in the globalized world of sports marketing.

Career Beginnings

Selby’s career began in the late 1990s, when he took on roles in event operations and project management. He was involved in organizing prestigious events like Wimbledon, the Henley Regatta, and the Cartier Polo. These early experiences sharpened his logistical and operational skills, laying the groundwork for his future leadership in the sports event industry.

He moved into more strategic roles during his time in the UAE, working with Professional Sports International. There, he led initiatives that expanded brand footprints and integrated marketing solutions tailored for elite sporting events.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

In 2009, Selby became the Product Director at the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. During his tenure, he was instrumental in promoting Abu Dhabi as a global tourist destination through large-scale international events. He oversaw high-profile sports initiatives like the F1 Powerboat World Championship and the HSBC Golf Championship. These events brought international recognition to the region and demonstrated Selby’s knack for combining event excellence with tourism marketing.

Transition to Motorsports and Sponsorship Activation

From 2013 to 2015, Matthew Kesteven Selby worked at Right Formula, a leading sponsorship agency focusing on Formula 1. As a Senior Director, he managed sponsorship activations across the F1 circuit, creating synergies between global brands and the adrenaline-charged world of motorsport. His experience at Right Formula cemented his expertise in high-impact, results-driven sponsorship strategies.

Performance54: The Game-Changer

In 2015, Selby joined Performance54, a sports marketing and consultancy firm, as Executive Director. His role involved overseeing sponsorship activation, destination marketing, and strategic partnerships. In 2021, he was promoted to Group Chief Commercial Officer. Under his leadership, the company expanded its reach across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Selby has been the driving force behind key commercial initiatives, including partnerships with global golf destinations, top-tier tournaments, and luxury lifestyle brands. His approach combines data-driven strategy, creative content, and immersive fan experiences to maximize brand impact.

Launching Behind The Volt

One of Selby’s most innovative contributions is the launch of “Behind The Volt,” a tech-driven event production and fan experience division under Performance54. This new venture focuses on delivering immersive sports experiences using cutting-edge technology—such as LED displays, interactive zones, and special effects—that elevate live events to new heights. Behind The Volt is already making waves in the industry and is considered a benchmark for the future of fan engagement.

Strategic Vision and Operational Excellence

Selby’s work at Performance54 showcases his strengths in strategic thinking and operational execution. He has led multiple six- and seven-figure partnerships, leveraging his understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior. His strategic insights guide clients through complex sponsorship ecosystems, ensuring that investments yield both brand equity and measurable ROI.

His operational excellence is evident in his ability to scale events and manage multi-million-dollar budgets. From logistics to on-site activations, every detail is meticulously planned to deliver flawless experiences.

Leadership and Team Building

At the core of Selby’s success is his ability to lead high-performance teams. He fosters a culture of creativity, accountability, and collaboration. His leadership style combines vision with execution, empowering team members to take ownership while staying aligned with the company’s goals.

He also mentors upcoming professionals in the industry, sharing his knowledge and encouraging innovation. His influence extends beyond Performance54, as he regularly participates in industry panels and leadership forums.

Matthew Kesteven Selby Age

As of 2025, Matthew Kesteven Selby is 43 years old. His career trajectory and accomplishments at a relatively young age underscore his exceptional drive and foresight in the competitive world of sports marketing.

Matthew Kesteven Selby Family

Information about Selby’s family is largely kept private, reflecting his focus on maintaining a professional public image. While he is a well-known figure in the sports industry, he keeps his personal life out of the spotlight.

Matthew Kesteven Selby Net Worth

Although Selby’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, industry estimates suggest he commands a high six-figure to low seven-figure annual compensation package. As Group CCO of a company generating over £150 million in turnover, his net worth is likely in the multi-million-pound range, bolstered by bonuses and equity options.

Matthew Kesteven Selby Wikipedia

Currently, there is no dedicated Wikipedia page for Matthew Kesteven Selby. However, he is featured in various business publications, industry blogs, and company profiles. Given his increasing visibility and influence in the sports marketing world, a Wikipedia page is likely on the horizon.

Industry Recognition and Impact

Selby’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received multiple industry accolades and is frequently cited as a thought leader in sports sponsorship and destination marketing. Under his stewardship, Performance54 has become synonymous with innovation, reliability, and excellence.

The Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Matthew Kesteven Selby plans to continue scaling Performance54’s global footprint and expand into new verticals like eSports, wellness tourism, and smart stadium infrastructure. He is also passionate about sustainability in sports, advocating for eco-friendly event practices and long-term impact measurement.

His focus on emerging markets and data analytics positions him—and Performance54—as a dominant force in the future of sports marketing.

Conclusion

Matthew Kesteven Selby’s journey from event operations to global sports marketing leadership is a testament to his vision, grit, and strategic genius. As Group Chief Commercial Officer of Performance54, he is not just shaping events—he is shaping the future of sports marketing. With innovations like Behind The Volt and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Selby continues to redefine how brands engage with fans, sponsors, and destinations across the globe.

Matthew Kesteven Selby is a name to watch—a leader whose story is still being written, with the best chapters yet to come.