The All England Club is searching for a new chief executive after Ian Ritchie left the post for the RFU.
The All England Club is searching for a new chief executive after Ian Ritchie left the post for the RFU.
Ritchie will succeed Martyn Thomas who stepped down last month, with acting CEO Stephen Brown reverting to his role as chief financial officer.
The appointment comes as a blow to Wimbledon, but AELTC Chairman Philip Brook believes the tournament will continue to thrive.
Brook said: “The search for a successor will start immediately and in the meantime it is very much business as usual at Wimbledon.”
In his five year tenure Ritchie oversaw the construction of a roof over Centre Court and two new show courts at Wimbledon.
Brook added: “We will be sorry to lose Ian and in thanking him for his outstanding contribution to Wimbledon, we wish him every success at the RFU.
“The experience and professionalism of our team is such that we can look forward with complete confidence to maintaining Wimbledon as one of the world’s leading sporting events.”
Ritchie, 57, had been tipped to replace Adam Helfant as head of the ATP, with many hoping he would translate his success in transforming Wimbledon to the global tour.
Although he is looking forward to his new role, Ritchie said: “The decision to leave was a difficult one.
“I have been fortunate to work for a wonderful organisation and am extremely proud of what has achieved over the past few years.
“I know that Wimbledon will continue to go from strength to strength with its exceptional leadership and fantastic management and staff.”
