The ATP has announced the appointment of CHRIS KERMODE as exec chairman and president. Kermode will begin a three-year term at the helm of the ATP starting on Jan. 1, and will be based in the ATP’s London office. Kermode has been involved in tennis for more than 30 years, first as a player, and then most recently serving as tournament director of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club, as well as managing director of the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (ATP). In London, Eleanor Crooks wrote Kermode is "the man behind the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at London's O2 Arena" and he was "the unanimous choice of the ATP board." The 48-year-old former player "is hugely popular" with players, and ANDY MURRAY and ROGER FEDERER lauded the appointment. Wimbledon champion Murray said, "I've known and worked with Chris for many years and he gets on well with the players. He's done a great job with Queen's and the World Tour Finals and I look forward to working with him in his new role." ATP Player Council President Federer said, "On behalf of the players, I am delighted to welcome Chris as our new ATP executive chairman and president" (PA, 11/20). The BBC wrote that Kermode succeeds BRAD DREWETT, who died in May "after battling auto neurone disease" (BBC, 11/20). ESPN wrote that after his playing career ended, Kermode "worked as one of London's top tennis coaches." After moving on to work in film and music public relations, "he was installed as managing director" of the Barclays event when it moved to London in '08 (ESPN, 11/20).
TIME FOR INNOVATION: In London, Neil Harman wrote Kermode "takes charge at a time when innovation and collaboration is vital." After a headhunting firm was employed three months ago, Kermode "emerged with the greatest share of support from a six-man board comprised of three representatives apiece from the tournaments and the players." He also had a fan in former LTA Exec Chair Etienne de Villiers, who recommended him as a replacement for LTA CEO Roger Draper, but Kermode "was not even afforded an intervied." De Villiers said, "I found that totally shocking" (LONDON TIMES, 11/21).
