Patrick McEnroe named new President of International Tennis Hall of Fame; Dan Faber to become new CEO

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Call it the New(port) Big Three.

On Thursday, in an exclusive interview on Tennis Channel, the newest members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s leadership team opened up about two exciting developments: Dan Faber will become the ITHF’s new Chief Executive Officer, and Patrick McEnroe will assume the role of President.

Faber and McEnroe will begin their positions with the ITHF on May 1, joining ITHF Honorary President Kim Clijsters as the driving forces behind the future of the venerable tennis institution. They'll also work with 2010 inductee Gigi Fernandez, who serves on the ITHF Executive Board as Hall of Famer Vice Chair.

“I’m excited to work with Dan and Patrick in their new roles at the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” said Clijsters. “Both are passionate ambassadors of our sport, and bring valuable industry knowledge and experience. I’m looking forward to expanding the horizons of the Hall of Fame alongside them.”

Each part of Clijsters’ comment hits on a forward-thinking approach that has shaped Thursday’s announcements. The ITHF recognizes the golden age tennis finds itself in, with some of the most iconic players in the sport’s history on the brink of enshrinement, with others not far behind.

To ensure that all of these legacies—along with those of the current inductees—are properly preserved and celebrated, the ITHF called upon Faber’s 20-plus years of business and fundraising acumen within the tennis industry, and McEnroe’s widespread and respected connection to professional tennis at the highest levels. There are no shortage of projects that these two, along with Clijsters and Fernandez, will be involved in, and all are central to the ITHF’s mission of growing tennis globally.

Faber, who has spent the last 10 years as Executive Director of the USTA Foundation, and McEnroe, a former ATP player and current commentator for ESPN, will succeed Todd Martin, who resigned as the ITHF’s CEO at the end of 2022.

As President, McEnroe will be responsible for leading execution of ITHF’s strategy and mission, with significant emphasis on relationships and partnerships, particularly in the tennis world. International Tennis Hall of Fame

“Throughout my life, I have been passionate about tennis and education,” said Faber. “As I look at all the International Tennis Hall of Fame does for the sport in storytelling, preservation, and global outreach, I am very excited at the opportunity to inspire leaders on and off the court through the history of the game and its champions. I look forward to working alongside a dedicated Board of Governors, the Hall of Famers, global partners, and innovative staff in Newport.”

McEnroe, who will continue to call matches for ESPN and captain Team World for the Laver Cup, echoed his new colleague's comments.

"Throughout my career, I’ve long appreciated the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s mission to preserve and promote the history of tennis, and share the fun side of the sport,” said McEnroe. “I’m energized about and looking forward to the opportunity to help lead and advance this mission, especially as we look forward to presenting the ultimate honor in tennis to the next generation of Hall of Famers.”

While Faber and McEnroe have experienced more than most in tennis throughout their careers, helping head an organization like the ITHF is new ground. Some of the goals include bringing the essence of what’s in Newport to a worldwide audience; building new relationships and creative partnerships that can enhance the Hall's overall offering; and bringing the rich history of tennis to life in a modern way.

Each goal, and each person behind those goals, are tasked with making more meaningful connections—something every visitor to Newport experiences when they walk in the venerable museum, sense when watching an induction ceremony, or grasps when immersing themselves in the ITHF’s rapidly expanding digital library.

“Both are impactful leaders in the tennis industry and join an outstanding leadership team and staff in Newport,” said Dan Swan, Chairman of the ITHF’s Board of Governors. “Alongside Kim Clijsters in her role as Honorary President, Dan and Patrick will serve as a dynamic combination as the ITHF enters a new season of growth.”