Steve Simon will step down from his role as chairman of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) after a decade with the organization.
He informed the WTA board of directors of his intention to retire late last year and will officially depart in December.
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Having joined the WTA in 2015, Simon will have served as chairman for 10 years by the end of his tenure.
Between 2015 and 2024, he served as chief executive and chairman, before relinquishing the former in July last year after the implementation of a new leadership structure by the WTA, separating the roles.
After the roles were split, the WTA appointed experienced sports and media executive Portia Archer as CEO.
Micky Lawler, who served as WTA president for eight years, also left the organization at the end of 2023.
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By GlobalDataTo ensure a smooth transition, the WTA board will now begin a “comprehensive selection process” for the chair position, supported by global executive search firm Elevate Talent.
The chair will focus on “providing effective governance, setting the long-term vision and strategy for the WTA, and working with the wider tennis community to continue to develop the sport. In addition, the chair will represent the WTA at a global level and address the major issues that affect the sport.”
During his long tenure, Simon has played a key role in the growth of women’s tennis. Working closely with the WTA’s player and tournament members, he led plans to modernize the structure of the women’s professional circuit which includes a committed $400 million increase in player compensation over the next 10 years.
He also negotiated a significant partnership with the CVC Capital Partners private equity firm in 2023 to establish the WTA Ventures arm to manage the commercial aspects of women’s tennis, to develop and grow the sport worldwide.
Simon stated: “Leading the WTA over these 10 years has been an honor, and I have been privileged to work with an amazing staff as well as many wonderful colleagues and friends across the tennis community. With an excellent leadership team and strong foundation in place, the WTA now has the structure, investment, and talent to achieve its aspirations as it embarks on an exciting future.
“It is the right time for me to announce my retirement so that the board has the fullest opportunity to appoint a new chair that will lead the continued growth and development of this exceptional organization.
“Since day one, I have worked to deliver positive change and growth for women’s tennis, to advance the WTA values of progress, opportunity, and empowerment, and to promote dialogue and collaboration between players, tournaments and partners across the game. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to watching the continued rise of women’s tennis in years to come.”
Adam Barrett, chair of the WTA tournament council and WTA board member, added: “On behalf of the WTA tournaments, I want to pay tribute to Steve for his vision and leadership over the last decade.
“He has been a force for progress whose commitment to women’s tennis is beyond question, and whose many achievements will leave a lasting and meaningful legacy for the game.”
