Current General Manager of the Hobart Hurricanes, and former Executive Director of Tennis Tasmania, Michael Roberts is set to take on the role of Tennis West Chief Executive Officer and Hopman Cup General Manager.
Mr Roberts was officially appointed by the Tennis West Board of Directors following a thorough recruitment process that attracted a high calibre field of candidates.
Mr Roberts brings with him extensive experience in shaping sports and business events, having worked for the Hobart Hurricanes, Cricket Tasmania, Tennis Tasmania and the Richmond Football Club. The former winner of the ‘Tasmanian Sports Administrator of the Year’ award, is a well-respected and innovative leader with strong commercial acumen and a proven track record of managing both small and large teams across a variety of sports.
With such a diverse background and well-established reputation within the sports industry, Tennis West President Mr Wayne Firns is excited for the future of tennis in Western Australia under Mr Roberts’ direction.
“Michael brings with him a wealth of knowledge across a diverse range of fields. He is a trusted leader with key strengths in innovation, commercial growth, event management and tennis operations, and we are pleased to welcome him into the role.” Mr Firns said.
“In his dual role, Michael will be responsible for growing tennis in Western Australia, from driving participation and club sustainability through to building on our showcase event, the Hopman Cup.”
With former ties to Western Australia and a background in both tennis and major events, Mr Roberts is looking forward to the challenge of such a diverse role that encompasses all aspects of tennis from grassroots and community tennis through to delivering a world class event.
“I consider this role one of the most exciting in our industry, combining a sport that I have a passion for with a world class event like the Hopman Cup.” Mr Roberts said.
“The sport participation landscape is constantly evolving and sports like tennis, which have such a rich history, need to ensure they are adapting and keeping up with social trends and requirements. I’m looking forward to working with the clubs across Western Australia to grow on the great work that is already in place in making them welcoming, modern and sustainable.”
“With regards to the Hopman Cup, Australia’s second most attended tennis event, I’m thrilled to see the event continue to attract the world’s best players, epitomised by the much-anticipated return of Roger Federer in January. One thing I’m particularly looking forward to in this role is imparting my skills of providing a great family entertainment offering whilst respecting the quality of the competition on the court.”
Mr Roberts will relocate, from Tasmania to Perth in the coming weeks, to start in the role at the end of October 2016, with outgoing CEO Geoff Quinlan joining Tennis Queensland in the role of Tennis Queensland CEO and Brisbane International Tournament Director.
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