The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has appointed Ross Hutchins, of the top-tier men's ATP Tour, as its new chief executive (CEO).
Hutchins, who has been the ATP Tour's chief sporting officer since April last year, will join the ITF in October. He will be based at the organization's headquarters in London, UK.
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He will replace outgoing CEO Kelly Fairweather, who will leave his role at the end of August (after assisting Hutchins in a transition period), after nine years in charge. Fairweather, who first took that position in January 2022, announced his decision to step down in March.
A former British professional tennis player, Hutchins has been at the ITF since 2014 overall, having initially joined as a vice president of player relations.
He was a professional between 2001 and 2014, and has also spent time as tournament director at Queen's Club in London, and as a tennis commentator and analyst.
The global governing body has said it considered him "the standout candidate to lead the ITF into its next chapter," due to "a proven track record of leadership, strong international relations, strategic future planning, and world-class event delivery."
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By GlobalDataHutchins has stated: "After an enjoyable and fulfilling 11 years at the ATP for which I am very grateful, the time is right for a new challenge. The breadth of the work the ITF undertakes is inspiring, with its continual goal to drive the sport forward across all levels of the game, and I am extremely excited and energised for the challenge ahead.
David Haggerty, president of the ITF, added: "In recent years, the ITF has built strong momentum across key areas, from digital innovation and the restructuring of our tours to the introduction of a balanced calendar, and the continued growth of wheelchair tennis.
"Ross brings the leadership, vision, and experience to the ITF that will help us deliver on our mission for the benefit of players, fans, and nations around the world."
The new CEO will lead the overall strategic direction, operations, and tours of the ITF, as well as the "continued development of tennis worldwide."
