Search Underway For ATP CEO

Written by: Staff on 25th March 2013

Search Underway For ATP CEO

Brad Drewett, CEO of the ATP, gives a news conference during the ATP Tennis Masters Cup in the Qi Zhong stadium in Shanghai, China, 13 November 2008. Drewett announced that next years tournament will have a 54 player draw, and will be one of the eight most important ATP tournaments. EPA/OLIVER WEIKEN |

Respect and compassion for Brad Drewett, who is suffering from Motor Neurone or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has meant the ATP World Tour’s search for a Executive Chairman and President has been kept low key.

And Eric Butorac, the American doubles player who sits as Vice President of the ATP Players Council believes that is only right and proper.

“It is absolutely terrible what has happened with Brad,” said Minnesotan Butorac. “He has been a hugely popular and successful CEO, but we are reaching the point where we all appreciate that we have to start looking for his successor.”

Drewett, who succeeded Adam Helfant after a protracted selection process just 15 months ago, contributed to last week’s players meeting in Miami but could only communicate through messages sent from his computer.

Butorac, who worked alongside Drewett in the bargaining process for greater prize money from the Grand Slams, believes Drewett’s successor should come from within the ATP World Tour’s current structure rather than being an appointment from the outside like Helfant.

“There are a lot of important negotiations happening at the moment so it would be best to have someone who is already aware of what is going on, because time is an issue,” said Butorac who also pointed out a long notice period would most likely need to be served by somebody in an executive position elsewhere.

Mark Young, the Ponte Vedra based ATP veteran of 13 years who currently holds the title of CEO Americas and Chief Legal and Media Officer would appear to be the leading candidate.

Outsiders who would want the job are current ATP board member and former player Justin Gimelstob, and London-based Chris Kermode, the current Tournament Managing Director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Once again there would also be support for former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek, the long-term tournament director of the ABN/Amro event in Rotterdam whose previous candidacy was reportedly opposed by leading players including Roger Federer.

Topics: Atp World Tour, Brad Drewett, Eric Butorac, Mark Young, Tennis News