LTA CEO Michael Downey is stepping down to return to his roots at Tennis Canada.
Downey tendered his resignation and will depart the LTA in June ending his three-year tenure at the top of British tennis.
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Downey is assuming the role of CEO at Tennis Canada.
The 56-year-old Downey cited his desire to be closer to his two sons, who live in Canada, as a reason for his departure. He will remain in his post as LTA CEO until Wimbledon begins in June.
“I’ve been honored to have led the LTA over the last three years, as we’ve sought to drive grassroots tennis,” Downey said in a statement. “While the opportunity for me to return to Tennis Canada coincided with my personal desire to return to my home country, I am hugely proud of the foundations the team at the LTA have laid in order to turn participation in Britain’s beloved sport around.
"It’s an exciting time for tennis in this country and I look forward to the next six months, maintaining the momentum we’ve built in our continued mission to get more people playing tennis, more often.”
Here's what Downey said about his goals when he joined the LTA back in 2014, revealing an affinity for the legendary Ilie Nastase.
During Downey’s tenure, British pro tennis has surged thanks to brothers Andy Murray and Jamie Murray and the rise of Johanna Konta.
The Murray brothers led Great Britain to the 2015 Davis Cup championship.
Andy Murray won Wimbledon, became the first man to successfully defend the Olympic gold medal and displaced Novak Djokovic as the year-end singles No. 1 in 2016, the same season Jamie Murray attained the world No. 1 doubles ranking.
The LTA announced it is starting the search for “a world-class successor” to Downey.
“Michael has worked hard to ensure that the British Tennis strategy to get more people playing tennis more often is embedded in the organization and more broadly amongst the tennis community,” LTA Chairman David Gregson said. “He has put in place the right Executive team with the strengths, passion and commitment to continue delivering the strategy.
"While Michael’s move will be a great loss to the LTA, we respect his decision to lead the sport of tennis in his home nation, close to his family. We thank him for his hard work and dedication to tennis in Britain.”
Photo credit: British Tennis