7 March 2017 | Tennis Australia

Tennis Australia President Steve Healy has decided to step down as President and as a Director of the Tennis Australia Board on 10 April due to business interests.

Late last year Mr Healy was appointed the Australia Region Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Partners of Dentons, the global law firm.

“Our business at Dentons is embarking on an exciting phase. We are a firm with more than 8000 lawyers spanning 57 countries and I am really looking forward to devoting the time necessary to ensure we are successful,” Mr Healy said. “I will of course miss Tennis Australia as it has been such a big part of my life.“

“Tennis Australia has a talented Board and management team in place. We have just had an amazing summer of tennis and delivered the most successful Australian Open in history. We have achieved a lot during the last eight years and it is the perfect time for me to hand over the reins and pursue other challenges.”

Vice President Chris Freeman AM will fill the Chairman role until the Tennis Australia Annual General Meeting in October, when a new Chairman will be elected.

Mr Freeman thanked Mr Healy for his service to the Board and wished him well for the future.

“Steve has made an outstanding contribution to Tennis Australia and the sport of tennis. He has represented the organisation on the Grand Slam Board, the International Tennis Federation, the Davis Cup Committee, as President of the Oceania region, and on the Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust. His passion for the sport is beyond question as is his commitment to its success,” Mr Freeman said.

Mr Healy joined the Tennis Australia Board in 2008 and was first elected President in 2010.

“I am most proud of how we have united our member states and territories, worked with them to grow participation at all levels of the sport, doubled the revenue of Tennis Australia and distributions to members and improved player development results,” he explained.

“It gives me great pleasure to have been a part of the team that has engineered the biggest growth period in the history of the organisation, developed new tennis products and overseen many millions of dollars of dedicated investment in facilities across Australia,” Mr Healy said.

“The growth of the Australian Open and in particular the fantastic tournament this year have been major highlights and they showcase our sport and our country. But the most important benefit of the Australian Open’s success is that it enables us all to grow participation and keep tennis the most popular sport in Australia. This has always been the priority, right from my beginnings in club land as I have enjoyed a wonderful tennis journey.

“I want to thank the many, many inspirational people whom I have been lucky enough to work with along the way. It has been an absolute privilege to be involved in this extraordinary sport.”