The deck chairs are being reshuffled in Australian sports administration, with Tennis Australia appointing National Rugby League (NRL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrew Abdo as its new CEO.
Abdo replaces Craig Tiley, who earlier this year announced he would leave Tennis Australia to become CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) said Abdo would remain in the role he has held for seven years until 15 July to ensure a smooth transition and the completion of the upcoming rugby league broadcast negotiations.
The ARLC said it would start a process to appoint a new NRL CEO, with Chairman Peter V’landys performing an executive role until a new CEO was in place.
V’landys said he was sad to lose Abdo, but the opportunity to run Tennis Australia was a “testament to how good he is”.
“We respect his decision. This is a significant opportunity and one he has earned,” he said in a media release.
Tennis Australia Chair Chris Harrop said Abdo stood out in a competitive global search by Egon Zehnder that attracted more than 150 candidates because of his leadership of a high-profile sports organisation and impact on the community at the elite levels.
He acknowledged Tiley’s contribution over more than two decades with Tennis Australia.
“Under his leadership, the organisation has become globally recognised for its innovation, inclusivity and world-class events, highlighted by the continued growth of the Australian Open (AO),” Harrop said in a media release.
Abdos said leading the NRL had been a privilege and the highlight of his career, but he was excited about the opportunity to grow participation in tennis, strengthen development pathways and ensure success at the elite level.
“I am excited to build off the incredible success and strength of Tennis Australia to work with an amazing team and to play my part taking the sport to the next level in Australia and on the global stage,” Abdo said.
Tiley said leading Tennis Australia had been the privilege of his life, but Abdo was an outstanding appointment who would continue to build on this strong foundation.
“While I look forward to the challenge at the USTA, my immediate and total focus is ensuring a smooth transition and leaving the sport, the business and the team in the best possible shape,” he said.
