Marcoux Samaan will replace Mike Whan who is stepping down after 11 years in the role to become chief executive of the United States Golf Association.

Marcoux Samaan, currently Ford Family Director of Athletics at Princeton University is set to transition into her role in the next few months.

"Our selection of Mollie Marcoux Samaan as the LPGA’s next Commissioner is the outcome of an extensive and deliberate search process," said Diane Gulyas, chair of the LPGA Board of Directors and the Search Committee.

"The position attracted a diverse group of outstanding internal and external candidates, all passionate about the LPGA.

"We concluded that Mollie is the right leader to guide the LPGA’s next chapter of growth, impact and achievement."

Marcoux Samaan described her new role as the "opportunity of a lifetime."

"I am passionate about the game of golf and have been an LPGA fan since I was a little girl," she said.

"I appreciate the LPGA’s history and the tenacity of its 13 founders. I am truly inspired by our tour players and teaching professionals.

"I am excited to dive into the LPGA initiatives to impact women and girls in the game at every age and ability and to learn about and contribute to all aspects of the LPGA’s business.

"I believe passionately that sports have the power to change the world. And in this moment in time - with the positive energy around women’s sports, women’s leadership and society’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion - I believe the LPGA has an incredible opportunity to use our platform for positive change.

"I will look forward to working with Mike (Whan) and the leadership team to meet the many people and organisations that have been so integral to the LPGA’s success.

"With its committed sponsors and fans, talented players and members, and exceptional staff and Board, my role will be to continue the positive momentum and increase opportunities, awareness, impact and respect for the LPGA worldwide."

Marcoux Samaan played golf as a child, and was a runner-up at the Women’s City Championship at the Newman Golf Course in New York at the age of 14, and went on to be a five-time club champion at the North Fork Country Club in New York.

After graduating with a degree in history, Marcoux Samaan then embarked on a career in sports administration and currently serves as Director of Athletics at Princeton University, where she completed her history degree in 1991.

In her seven years at the university, Marcoux Samaan has overseen wide-ranging improvements within the athletics department, including in relation to facilities and coaching, while she also steered the department through the challenges that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.

 Marcoux Samaan succeeds Whan, who during his tenure at the helm of the LPGA oversaw increases in the number of tournaments on the schedule, prize money and television coverage.