By James Crook

660x0April 25 - The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have appointed executive search firm Odgers Berndtson to assist in their search for a new chief executive following the announcement by Roger Draper that he will vacate the role in September.


"This is one of the most challenging jobs in sport, at a key moment for British tennis." said David Gregson, chairman of the LTA Board.

"We are looking for an exceptional individual to lead the organisation with the objective of getting more people playing tennis, more often."

Vicky Williams, LTA Head of human resources and development, said: "The position will be advertised shortly and we will then draw up a long-list of candidates from the responses to the advertisement, as well as a closely targeted search for candidates.

"We anticipate that the selection and interview process will take place in the summer."

Draper announced last month that he would step down from the role in September, stating that: "Now is the right time for me to hand over the baton to a new leader who can build on what has been achieved in recent years, and take British tennis to new levels"

Andy Murray's former coach Mark Petchey could be a contender for the job, after he announced his interest in the role before Draper had even announced his resignation back in January, and spoke of his contoversial £640,000 ($950,000/€740,000) salary, claiming he "would do it [job of LTA chief] for substantially less than Roger received this year".

Odgers Berndtson have previously worked with London 2012, the Olympic Delivery Authority, England's World Cup 2018 bid and the British Olympic Association.

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