Chris Kermode Named ATP Executive Chairman and President
The ATP has announced the appointment of Chris Kermode as ATP executive chairman and president. Kermode begins a three-year term at the helm of the ATP beginning Jan. 1, 2014, and will be based in the ATP’s London office. Kermode has been involved in tennis for more than 30 years, first as a player, and then most recently serving as tournament director of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club, as well as managing director of the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
“It’s a huge honor to have been given the opportunity to lead the ATP during what is unquestionably one of the most exciting periods in the history of men’s professional tennis,” said Kermode. “I look forward to getting started in my new role, and to working very hard together with ATP staff, players, tournaments and partners as we look to harness the full potential of our great sport in years to come.”
Kermode’s wealth of knowledge of all facets of men’s professional tennis, as well as his vast experience working with all of the sport’s key stakeholders, made him a unanimous choice by the ATP board of directors. The appointment brings to a close a thorough search process undertaken by the ATP Board, with the assistance of executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.
"On behalf of the players, I am delighted to welcome Chris as our new ATP executive chairman and president," said Roger Federer, president of the ATP Player Council. "Chris has a lot of experience having worked in a number of different capacities in tennis over the years and he has all the attributes required to lead the ATP World Tour forward during this period of unprecedented popularity and success."
Following his career as a professional player, Kermode worked as one of London’s top tennis coaches. He went on to work in both the film and music industries, starting his own promotion and events company, before returning to tennis. Kermode has served as managing director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals since 2008.
