Andrew Abdo to Start as Tennis Australia CEO on August 3

Andrew Abdo will begin his role as Tennis Australia CEO on August 3 after finishing as NRL chief executive in mid-July. Craig Tiley, who has served as both Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open tournament director, will move to head the United States Tennis Association on the same schedule.

Abdo said he was appointed to lead the national organization and would examine its structure after starting. "I've been appointed by the board to be the CEO of Tennis Australia, which means you're responsible for all aspects of the sport, from community sport to pathways and talent development to delivering major events," he said.

Abdo indicated he is unlikely to combine the CEO and Australian Open director positions held by Tiley since 2013. He said decisions on organizational design and any tournament director appointment would be made after he takes the post. Tiley has led the Australian Open for 20 years and held the Tennis Australia CEO role since 2013.

Abdo said he wants to complete a new NRL broadcast agreement before departing.

Abdo listed keeping tennis relevant to fans and grassroots players, and developing Australian talent, as early priorities. He noted the need to consider player and stakeholder views on revenue distribution. Tiley said he welcomed working with Abdo on global tennis issues.

"I will work closely with Andrew on helping reform the sport," Tiley said, citing differences between tennis's global ranking and its commercial position. Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys has been approved to serve as ARLC executive chairman until a permanent replacement for Abdo is named.