Lewis to take up Wimbledon post (From Somerset County Gazette)

Lewis to take up Wimbledon post

12:36pm Tuesday 10th April 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Former Davis Cup player Richard Lewis will leave his post as chairman of the Rugby Football League at the end of the month to become chief executive of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon.

Lewis, who has been with the RFL just short of 10 years, will take over from Ian Ritchie, who left Wimbledon in December to take up the role of chief executive of the Rugby Football Union.

"I leave with a mixture of sadness but also excitement at taking up another wonderful opportunity," said Lewis.

Lewis will continue in his position of chair of Sport England, a role he took up on a part-time basis when switching from the post of executive chairman of the RFL three years ago.

He has been involved in top-level sport for more than 30 years since retiring as a tennis player. He reached a career-high world ranking of 68 and represented Great Britain in Davis Cup from 1977-83.

Lewis was director of tennis at the LTA from 1998-2000 and joined the RFL in May 2002.

Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Club, said: "We had a very strong field of candidates and in Richard Lewis 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."

Lewis, who will take up his new role on May 1, added: "As a former tennis professional, the prospect of helping shape the future of the Club and the premier tennis tournament in the world is one to be relished.

"I leave the RFL after 10 fulfilling years during which the sport has grown and prospered.

"I am extremely grateful to all the colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to work. I shall enjoy continuing my role at Sport England albeit with less time commitment."