The 53-year-old has signed a three-year contract and will start his role on January 1, working out of the ATP’s London office. He will succeed American Adam Helfant, who announced in June that he had turned down the opportunity to stay on beyond the end of 2011 after three years at the helm.
Drewett has overseen the tour’s operations in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific region since 1999 as chief executive of the ATP International Group, and he has also served as tournament director of the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals for the past 10 years. The ATP said in a statement that Drewett is “ideally qualified to take on the multifaceted role with his extensive experience at the ATP”.
“I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organisation that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career,” Drewett said. “The ATP World Tour and men’s tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organisation on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.”
ATP Player Council president Roger Federer backed the appointment by hailing Drewett as a “very experienced executive” who “has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years”. Federer said: “He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the Tour's stakeholders. I am confident that Brad's work ethic and leadership will help contribute to the continued success of the ATP World Tour.”
ATP board representative Gavin Forbes added: “Brad has the perfect combination of proven business abilities and understanding of player and tournament perspectives to oversee the continued growth of the ATP World Tour. He has been an integral part of the Tour’s success over the last decade, and will be able to get straight to work in January thanks to his deep relationships within the sport.”
