Ivan Ballesteros

Iván Ballesteros is a sports business professional and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in professional golf, leadership, and international business development. He holds a Bachelor in Business Administration, is a professional golf player, and is also qualified as a football coach with UEFA Licence A.

He began his professional career at a very young age within the Ballesteros Group, under the direct mentorship of Severiano Ballesteros, one of the most influential figures in the history of world golf. During this period, Iván Ballesteros progressively assumed senior responsibilities, eventually becoming CEO of the Ballesteros Group. His work included the organisation of professional golf tournaments on the European Tour, management of Seve Ballesteros’ professional career, and leadership of multiple golf-related projects such as golf course design, sponsorship agreements, endorsement deals, and international collaborations.

He was also responsible for the Seve Ballesteros Foundation and was appointed executor of Seve Ballesteros’ will, reflecting the high level of professional and personal trust placed in him. Following Seve Ballesteros’ passing in 2011, Iván Ballesteros decided to leave the Ballesteros Group in 2013.

He then moved to Asia, where he was hired as Director of a sports marketing company, leading major golf and sports development projects across the region. His work included collaborations with Mission Hills, the largest golf club in the world, advisory roles for golf clubs, and the organisation and management of international golf tournaments in Asia. In 2015, the company acquired the rights to manage the Ronaldo Nazário Football Academies, expanding its activities beyond golf into global sports development.

Alongside his work in the sports industry, Iván Ballesteros has been actively involved in real estate business projects since 2015, developing and investing in property-related ventures, an activity he continues to expand internationally. In parallel, he has also developed and operates a concierge service based in Hong Kong, structured as a call-centre operation, providing tailored services to international clients.

In 2022, Iván Ballesteros returned to Spain. In October 2023, he launched iBPutter Sweet Spot, a premium golf putter brand currently present in more than 200 golf retail stores across the United Kingdom and Australia, as well as in Spain, consolidating its position in key international golf markets.

Throughout his career, Iván Ballesteros has combined elite sport, entrepreneurship, real estate, and international service businesses, with a strong focus on practical judgement, responsibility, and decision-making under pressure—the core themes of this course.