ATP hires new chairman
The Association of Tennis Professionals has a new executive chairman. Yesterday the ATP unveiled former Nike executive Adam Helfant as the successor of outgoing chairman, Etienne de Villiers.
De Villiers spent 3 years at the head of the ATP, and recently announced his decision not to renew his contract. De Villiers had a significant impact on the men's game, increasing prize money, introducing player line calls and improving the status of several tournaments.
"There is no doubt that men's professional tennis is one of the world's most popular sports and, as a lifelong fan, it is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to take the helm at such an exciting time for the ATP," Helfant was quoted as saying by the Press Association.
Helfant, a Harvard graduate, acted as the head of global sports marketing at Nike for 12 years.
Ivan Ljubicic, the head of the player's association, enthusiastically endorsed Helfant's appointment, saying: "Adam has outstanding experience of working at the very top of world sport and business and is extremely well qualified to take the ATP World Tour to the next level of its development."
