British tennis is on the up after the US Open and Olympic gold medal triumphs of Andy Murray, Jonny Marray’s historic Wimbledon doubles win and the emergence of Laura Robson and Heather Watson onto the women’s world scene. In a bid to move forward behind the scenes, the Lawn Tennis Association Limited (LTA) has appointed David Gregson as the first independent Chairman of the LTA Board.
Participation at grass roots level is also on the rise again, arresting a sharp slump, and the appointment of Gregson to head the LTA board and work in unison with existing president Peter Bretherton and his designated successor Cathie Sabin, was applauded at the association’s Annual General Meeting.
Royalty was present for the announcement at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton as the Duchess of Gloucester, Honorary President of the LTA, attended the AGM. Gregson is hugely respected in the British business world and has a lifelong passion for tennis. He will begin his new appointment at the beginning of next year .
Bretherton maintained: “David brings a wealth of experience as a leader in the fields of business, the voluntary sector, sport and government. His appointment as independent Chairman of the LTA Board is another significant step in the modernization of governance of British tennis, for which the LTA Council must take great credit.”
Gregson responded: “This is a really exciting challenge for me at a fantastic time for British tennis, when we’re seeing more people playing, and more success at the highest level.
“I look forward to working closely with the LTA President, CEO and Board to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity, and continue to grow the sport.”
Gregson is chairman of both the Precise Media Group, and of CRI, a leading UK health and social care charity. He is also a director of the London Legacy Development Corporation, which is transforming the Olympic Park following the 2012 Games, and a member of the Advisory Board for the Sutton Trust, promoting social mobility through education.
Previously, Gregson was a co-founder and Chairman of Phoenix Equity Partners, a leading UK mid-market private equity business, and remains a senior advisor to the firm.
©Daily Tennis News Wire
Topics: Andy Murray, British tennis news, David Gregson, Heather Watson, Jonny Marray, Laura Robson, Lawn Tennis Association, Lta, Sports, Tennis News