New LTA chief unveiled

 

Originally published on: 24/09/13 00:00

Downey, who has served as president and chief executive of Tennis Canada since 2004, will begin his new role on January 6, 2014.

He will replace Roger Draper, who steps down at the end of September after seven years at the helm of British Tennis.

“This is a huge privilege for me, at a fantastic time for British tennis,” Downey said. “We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us, and it is an honour to be able to lead the work of the LTA in getting more people playing tennis.”

During nine years at Tennis Canada, Downey has overseen significant growth in participation at grass roots level and notable success at elite level.

Canada reached the semi-finals of the Davis Cup for the first time in its history this season, while Milos Raonic became the first Canadian to break the top ten in the ATP rankings.

Before joining Tennis Canada, Downey worked at Molson Canada, Canada’s largest brewery.

“We set out to recruit a CEO with true success in business, with exceptional leadership credentials and ideally with significant knowledge of tennis,” said David Gregson, LTA Chairman. “Michael demonstrably fits the bill perfectly and was the unanimous choice of our recruitment panel.”

LTA Chief Operating Officer, Nick Humby, will act as interim chief until January.

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