Full Name: Nick Haslam
Current Role: Managing Director, Australia
Current Organisation: Performance 54
Last Role at PwC: Associate Director, Transaction Services
Time at PwC: 2005 - 2014
What’s the one career achievement you’re most proud of so far?
Being part of the team that brought LIV Golf to Australia has been incredibly rewarding. There have been many hurdles along the way, but the satisfaction of what the team has achieved over the past three years has made it all worth it. Having this event take place in my hometown and sharing it with those closest to me has made it extra special.
What’s been your biggest career challenge to date and how have you overcome it?
I missed out on a CEO role at a previous employer, which was challenging at the time. I overcame it by getting some perspective on the reasons why and stepping into new challenges in adjacent fields. Looking back, that setback made me a more resilient, self-aware leader. I'm grateful for how things played out and confident that I'm better for it.
What’s the most valuable lesson you learnt during your career at PwC and how has that helped you get to where you are today?
There is no substitute for hard work, and diving deep into understanding the financial aspects of a business is a great way to truly understand business performance (you can’t hide from the numbers!).
There have been many transferrable skills from my time working at PwC that have put me in great stead for doing what I am doing now, but that financial acumen has given me a lot of confidence to grow into the various roles and projects I find myself in.
How would you define your leadership style?
Democratic. I like to ensure I understand all different perspectives to make informed decisions.
I also believe in accountability and setting clear expectations. One quote that really resonates with me is: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.” I want the teams I’m in to be of the highest standard possible and create a culture where people feel both supported and challenged.
What trends are shaping the future of the sports and entertainment industry?
- Enhanced fan experiences – providing something for everyone at live events (live music, interactive games, high tech A/V, outstanding F&B).
- Athlete experience – ensure the athlete's experience from entry, to play, to exit is a journey where they always have access to everything they need. They are the main talent on show, so you need to provide them with the necessary tools to perform.
- Dynamic commercial models – shift from traditional TV to bite sized content, personalised digital experiences for fans, tailored merchandise, unique event offerings.
- Environmental and Social Sustainability – ongoing push for sustainable event planning and social impact efforts.
As Executive Tournament Director of LIV Golf Adelaide, can you tell us what makes the event so unique?
- LIV Golf embraces the event experience where there is something for everyone. The traditional golf fan will naturally want to see some of the best players in the world, but LIV Golf embraces high-energy, loud music and entertainment. Not only that, but we also have an ongoing focus on what the event can mean for kids, how we can get them into golf, and how we can make the event accessible for everyone.
- Adelaide gets behind the event, with the experience extending beyond the golf course, as soon as fans arrive at the airport.
- Australia shows up: Attendance continues to grow, with 102k + attending across three days in 2025. 41% of those attendees are from outside South Australia, and the economic impact is substantial, amassing over $81m direct expenditure over three days in 2025.
- It’s a global event, with global coverage and superstars. In 2025, the event reached over 550 million households across 20+ networks, with many of the world’s best golfers and event attendees (social media influencers) posting about their performances and off- course antics. This included the footage of Dom Dolla playing on a golf course, and Patrick Reed hitting a hole-in-1 on the Watering Hole.
- Watch this video prepared by the South Australian Tourism Commission to get a feel for LIV Golf Adelaide, and the unique factors identified above.
Outside of Golf, which sport event do you look most forward to each year?
The AFL Grand Final.
What’s the wisest piece of life advice you've received and how have you applied it?
“There’s no substitute for hard work.”
I have applied that throughout my career and always believe if you put the effort into what you do, the results will come.
If you could have lunch for an hour with anyone - dead or alive - who would it be and why?
I had a great friend (one of my closest colleagues in my time at PwC), who sadly passed away a couple of years ago. We learnt a lot from each other over the years and in many respects were mentors to each other, despite being at a similar age and experience level. I’d love to sit down with him again and let him know how much of a legend he was and will continue to be in my eyes.
