LTA name Downey as new chief executive

The Lawn Tennis Association has appointed Canadian Michael Downey as its new chief executive.

Downey takes over the role from Roger Draper, having impressed LTA chiefs with the work he has done as president of Tennis Canada for the past nine years.

He will begin work officially in January and will inherit one of the toughest jobs in British sport after years of criticism over the organisation's failure to make the most of its annual multi-million pound Wimbledon subsidy.

Previous CEO Draper came in for much criticism during his eight-year reign, despite the likes of Andy Murray, Heather Watson, Laura Robson enjoying success at elite level, and Downey will be tasked with turning round the perception of the LTA.

"This is a huge privilege for me, at a fantastic time for British tennis," said Downey.

"We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us, and it is an honour to be able to lead the work of the LTA in getting more people playing tennis."

Some questions will be asked about the non-British appointment, but LTA chairman David Gregson described Downey as the outstanding candidate for the role.

Prior to his role as head of Canadian tennis, Downey was the regional president for Canada's largest brewery, Molson Canada.

And Gregson said: "We set out to recruit a CEO with true success in business, with exceptional leadership credentials and ideally with significant knowledge of tennis.

"Michael demonstrably fits the bill perfectly and was the unanimous choice of our recruitment panel.