Wimbledon announces new Chief Executive
London, UK: The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, today announced that its new Chief Executive will be Richard Lewis, the former British Davis Cup player and currently the Chairman of the Rugby Football League (RFL) and Chair of Sport England.
Lewis has been involved in top level sport for over 30 years and will bring extensive sports management, commercial and administrative success and experience to the role. He will join the All England Club on 1 May 2012.
As an international tennis player Lewis reached a career-high world ranking of 68 and represented Great Britain in Davis Cup from 1977 to 1983. He was Director of Tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association from 1998 to 2000. In 2002 he joined the RFL as Executive Chairman and held that position until 2009. From 2009 he has been Chairman of the RFL and of Sport England.
Philip Brook, Chairman of the All England Club, said: “We had a very strong field of candidates and in Richard Lewis we have the person with the right blend of sporting background and management skill and experience to ensure that the All England Club and The Championships continue to go from strength to strength.”
Richard Lewis said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chief Executive at the All England Club. As a former tennis professional, the prospect of helping shape the future of the Club and the premier tennis tournament in the world is one to be relished. I leave the RFL after 10 fulfilling years during which the sport has grown and prospered. I am extremely grateful to all the colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to work. I shall enjoy continuing my role at Sport England albeit with less time commitment.”
RICHARD LEWIS CV SUMMARY
Rugby Football League
2009-2012: Chairman
2002-2009: Executive Chairman
Sport England
2009 - to date: Chair
Merryck & Co
2000-2002: Executive Management Coach
The Lawn Tennis Association
1987-2000: Several roles culminating as Director of Tennis
Professional Coach
1984-1987: Professional tennis coach, including Grand Slam champion Kathy Jordan at Wimbledon in 1986 and US Open in 1987
Professional Tennis Player
1970-1984: Professional tennis player (highest world ranking 68) competing in all Grand Slam tournaments and represented Great Britain in Davis Cup 1977-83 (semi-finalists 1981).
Goffs Grammar School, Hertfordshire
Date of Birth – 6 December 1954
Additional Information
2009 - to date: Trustee London Marathon Trust
2009 - to date: Trustee Wembley National Stadium Trust
1996: British Olympic Tennis team Manager Atlanta Olympics
