Coming on the heels of former Wimbledon champion and Rotterdam tournament director Richard Krajicek's decision to no longer pursue the job as the next chief executive of the ATP, Wimbledon CEO Ian Ritchie announced he will leave his post to become the new CEO of the Rugby Football Union. Ritchie interviewed for the ATP position, but withdrew his candidacy after information that he might become the next CEO was leaked to the media.
Ritchie has been Wimbledon’s chief executive since 2005. He is credited with bringing in new sponsors and helping add millions to Wimbledon coffers. Philip Brook, Chairman of the All England Club, said the search for his successor will start immediately.
It is still unclear who will succeed Adam Helfant as the ATP’s CEO. The tour had already hoped to have named a successor to Helfant, who could not come to an agreement with the board of directors on a contract for a second three-year term.
Roger Federer, as well as some top agents, opposed Krajieck’s candidacy based on his lack of business experience, and sources have told TENNIS.com that the ATP board of directors have been unable to come to an agreement as to whether to hire one of two men from within the organization; Mark Young, who is the ATP head of the Americas; and Brad Drewett, who runs the international division.
It is now conceivable that the ATP will go into the 2012 without a CEO.—Matt Cronin