Draper To Continue As LTA Chief

Roger Draper has signed a new five-year contract to continue as chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association.

Formerly chief executive of Sport England, Draper has introduced a series of radical reforms since taking over the role in April 2006.

Commented Draper: ‘We’ve always said that transforming British tennis is a work in progress. It’s really a seven to 10-year plan and I didn’t want to walk away after just two years.

‘The most important thing is to continue with plans to keep making steps forward for the long-term.’

Draper has widely overhauled the LTA’s business practice, making the organisation more commercially-focused.

In September, it secured a £25m agreement with financial services provider Aegon which will be used to boost all aspects of British tennis – such as improving courts in parks and schools, along with funding junior development and training players.

Draper has also struck a deal with the All England Club regarding the Wimbledon surplus.

Once the current agreement runs out in August 2013 the LTA will receive 90% of the financial surplus from each year’s Wimbledon until at least 2053. In return the LTA will sell its 50% share of the company which owns the Wimbledon site and facilities.