WIMBLEDON STARTS SEARCH FOR NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Written by: Staff on 14th December 2011

WIMBLEDON STARTS SEARCH FOR NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

epa01705194 Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the AELTC views the new retractible roof on Centre Court at The All England Lawn Tennis Club Wimbledon, London, Britain 21 April 2009. As the All England Club unveils the retractable roof at Centre Court that will lead to the biggest scheduling shake-up in Wimbledon's 132-year history, organisers admitted "indoor" matches could potentially continue long into the evening - even if the weather is fine. EPA/Tom Lovelock / AELTC EDITORIAL USE ONLY |

(Above: Ian Ritchie)

Courtesy of The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

The All England Club, Wimbledon, confirmed today that Ian Ritchie, its Chief Executive since 2005, is to leave the Club to become the new Chief Executive Officer of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Philip Brook, Chairman of the All England Club, said: “We will be sorry to lose Ian and in thanking him for his outstanding contribution to Wimbledon, we wish him every success at the RFU. The search for a successor will start immediately and in the meantime it is very much business as usual at Wimbledon. The experience and professionalism of our team is such that we can look forward with complete confidence to maintaining Wimbledon as one of the world’s leading sporting events.”

Ian Ritchie said: “The decision to leave the All England Club was a difficult one. I have been fortunate to work for a wonderful organisation and am extremely proud of what it has achieved over the past few years. I know that Wimbledon will continue to go from strength to strength with its exceptional leadership and fantastic management and staff.”

Ritchie will join the RFU after fulfilling notice period obligations with the date to be confirmed later.

Topics: Ian Ritchie