The Nicklaus Cos. has hired Peter Rummell – a real estate development and brand-building expert with executive tenures at Disney and St. Joe Co. – as chief executive officer.

Rummell, 62, has already started his duties starting in mid-August as CEO of Nicklaus Cos., which was created last June when New York Private Bank & Trust became a long-term partner with the Nicklaus family.

“The addition of Peter fits perfectly with our strategy to build on the success we have enjoyed, and to realize our full potential so the business will continue to grow now and beyond my lifetime,” said Jack Nicklaus, founder and chairman.

In addition to serving as CEO of the Nicklaus Cos., Peter Rummell completes the executive structure of the NicklausMilstein Fund, where he will also serve as CEO. The NicklausMilstein Fund is designed to capture the real estate development and investment opportunities that arise from the Nicklaus golf course design business.