The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governing body has confirmed that its chief executive Kelly Fairweather is set to leave his role at the end of August 2025.
Fairweather joined the ITF as chief operating officer in January 2017, and was then promoted to chief executive in January 2022, a new position at the time.
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As chief executive, Fairweather was responsible for leading the ITF’s senior team and directors across the organization’s five key divisions: Presidential; Integrity & Legal; Major Events & Sports Strategy; Tours & Pathway; and Finance, IT & People.
The ITF has stated that during Fairweather’s tenure the total number of tennis players globally has “increased to 106 million,” with the chief executive saying on his appointment to the role in 2022 that “we have set ourselves the ambitious goal to report 120 million players on this planet by 2030.”
The recruitment process for the Federation’s new chief executive is currently underway, with Fairweather set to assist ITF president David Haggerty and the ITF board to “ensure a smooth transition” for his successor, according to an ITF press release.
Prior to joining the ITF as chief operating officer, Fairweather was chief executive of the International Hockey Federation between 2010 and 2016.
He has previously also held directorship roles at the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee.
Fairweather stated that he is stepping away from the role to spend with family and pursue personal interests.
Haggerty (working his way through his third term as ITF president) has commented: “Working alongside me in my role, and in partnership with our member national associations, he has been steadfast in his leadership in spearheading the growth of the organization.
“Kelly has helped us all steer a steady ship during his time at the ITF, which has been marked by major world events, and we are proud of the growth our sport has enjoyed at grassroots and regional levels during those eight years.
“After a long and successful career in the sport industry, Kelly has made the understandable decision to focus on his family, and I want to thank him for his support and commitment throughout his time with us.”
Fairweather added: “It’s been an honor to serve as CEO of the ITF and be part of the journey shaping and developing the global game these past eight years. After four incredibly enriching and inspiring decades in international sport … I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing some personal projects.”
