Tennis Canada President Michael Downey has been named Chief Executive Officer of Great Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), replacing Roger Draper.

Downey, 56, will start his new job on Jan. 6, with Nick Humby acting as the CEO during the interim period.

“Since joining the organization in 2004, Michael has done an outstanding job,” John LeBoutillier, Chair of the Tennis Canada Board of Directors, said in a statement. “He has helped strengthen Tennis Canada and grow tennis in Canada with a clear focus on performance. His leadership will be sorely missed as well as his passion for the sport.”

Reuters reported that Downey will earn less than half of what Draper did. The much-criticized outgoing LTA chief earned around $1.03 million dollars in 2012.

Tennis Canada will begin a formal search process for a new CEO immediately.