The Tennis Industry Association (TIA) UK has appointed Brett Watson as its first full time Executive Director based at its new headquarters at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, London.
Mr Watson, 53, who takes up his duties on 8th May, worked for BT in a wide variety of commercial roles before being appointed General Manager, has founded his own tennis coaching and equipment sales business in the Cotswolds, and worked for KCOM plc as PFI Business Manager and then Partnership Director. Latterly he has worked with the Managed Services Division at Logicalis.
A staunch life-long tennis enthusiast, Brett is Chairman of the Tetbury Dolphins Tennis Club in Gloucestershire where he is responsible for the overall running and direction of the club, and continues to play the game while fulfilling the demanding role of a tennis parent.
"We are most fortunate to have found Brett, who brings a wide range of commercial skills alongside a passion for the game to this new position," said Steven Matthews, Chairman of the TIA UK. "The role of Executive Director is a diverse one, requiring planning, diplomacy and sales acumen combined with the ability to communicate well with our members and British tennis stakeholders.
"The selection panel was impressed with his abilities as both an innovator and an influencer outside of the tennis world and believe he will bring a fresh approach to the needs of the TIA UK, particularly as we develop our partnering relationship with the LTA to help grow the game and the marketplace."
Brett Watson said: "I am both excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the TIA at such a pivotal time. I will be fully focussed on building on the excellent work of the current board for the benefit of our members and to grow the economic vitality of the Tennis industry. I believe that the partnering agreement with the LTA represents a unique opportunity for us to jointly grow this wonderful sport for the benefit of all."
The selection panel, which was appointed by the TIA UK Council and comprised of Steve Matthews, Mike Ballardie, Barbara Wancke and Ian Peacock, received some forty applications for the position from which a short list of four candidates were interviewed before the final selection process.
“It was a high quality list of applicants, which demonstrates the interest this new position has created,” said Ian Peacock, President of the TIA UK. “It is a key appointment that will take the TIA into a new era, thanks to the efforts of our Chairman, Steve Matthews, and Vice Chairman, Mike Ballardie, who enabled this all to happen. We are delighted to have Brett Watson on board and look forward to working closely with him over the coming months.”
The Tennis Industry Association UK Limited is the trade body solely for tennis business comprised of all leading UK companies and organisations with tennis interests seeking professional benefits, resources and to influence British tennis through the collective voice of the industry.
Its mission statement is: The Tennis Industry Association UK is the trade organisation leading business in support of the governing body and other organisations’ efforts to grow the game and to foster economic vitality, while providing an authorative voice on behalf of tennis commerce.