Rfl Chair Named New Wimbledon Ceo
Richard Lewis, chairman of the Rugby Football League, has been appointed chief executive at Wimbledon, replacing Ian Ritchie, who left the All England Club in February after six years to become chief executive of the Rugby Football Union.
Lewis will leave the RFL at the end of April after a decade in charge, but will continue in his position of chair of Sport England, a role he took up on a part-time basis three years ago.
Meanwhile, senior non-executive director Maurice Watkins will act as interim chairman at the RFL until a successor is found.
Lewis said: ‘I leave the RFL after 10 fulfilling years during which the sport has grown and prospered.’
‘I leave with a mixture of sadness but also excitement at taking up another wonderful opportunity.’
As an international tennis player Lewis reached a career high world ranking of 68, representing Great Britain in Davis Cup from 1977 to 1983, Lewis was also director of Tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association from 1998 to 2000 before joining the RFL.
Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Club, added: ‘We have the person with the right blend of sporting background and management skill and experience to ensure that the All England Club and The Championships continue to go from strength to strength.’
