British Tennis Executive Jumps to Rugby Organization

Written by: Staff on 15th December 2011

British Tennis Executive Jumps to Rugby Organization |

The lust for one last major challenge before retirement, plus a major jump in salary, has convinced Ian Ritchie to leave behind the comfort of the Chief Executive’s office at the All England Club and make the short move to the Rugby Football Union where the task that awaits him has been described as one of the most exacting currently to be found in British sport.

More than six years after replacing the seemingly irreplaceable Chris Gorringe, 57 year-old Ritchie has decided to make the geographically short South-West London switch of four miles from Wimbledon to rugby’s headquarters at Twickenham.

Ritchie is believed to have been offered a basic salary of £350,000 a year plus bonuses which could take the figure up to £600,000 (close to $1 million).

The last year for English rugby is thought to have been the tumultuous and damaging in the RFU’s long history. Not only did England under perform at the recent World Cup in New Zealand but there have seen scandals and fiascos surrounding player discipline with the most high profile that involving Mike Tindall who is married to Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter Zara Phillips.

Ritchie, he of the easy manner but rock-solid business brain, is seen as the perfect fire fighter. “Ian demonstrated the required knowledge and capabilities across a broad range of areas,” said Ian Metcalfe, the chairman of the RFU’s recruitment panel.

“He was the standout candidate with his combination of business acumen, leadership qualities and background in sports administration. We could not have wished for a candidate who is so highly respected.”

Little more than a month ago Ritchie, a former chief executive of both Channel 5 and Middle East Broadcasting, a vice-president of Associated Press, a non-executive director of the Football League, and a director of Wembley Stadium, opted against the chance to become the new CEO and Executive President of the ATP World Tour. Previously he had traveled to Majorca in September for face to face talks on the subject with Rafael Nadal.

Instead he chose to stay at the All England Club, working on the television deals which were his specialty, after agreeing a new commitment with the BBC and striking an extended contract in the United States with ESPN so cementing the Championships’ place as the leader in its field.

But when the headhunters of the RFU came calling just a couple of weeks ago and Ritchie, who was quickly convinced it was time for a change.

“I believe English rugby has a very bright future, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime home World Cup in 2015,” he said. “I am determined to help rugby create a legacy from the tournament that will benefit the sport for generations to come. The RFU has great commercial partners and a very sound financial base, underpinning the development of rugby union at grassroots and elite level.”

Former ATP World Tour CEO Etienne de Villiers believes Ritchie’s defection to rugby will be a loss for tennis. “He has a very good mind, he is a problem-solver,” said de Villiers. “He does things that are collaborative. He will speak to all sides and then come down with a decision.

“He does not impose his will on negotiations, he allows everyone to have their say and then offers a highly professional response. He is a facilitator. He is not one for the spotlight, but he appreciates what is required to solve the great challenges that any sport faces.”

Topics: Ian Ritchie