OFFICIAL: NRL boss jumps ship to become new Tennis Australia CEO

(Getty/Mark Metcalfe)

After months of searching for the right candidate to succeed Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia has confirmed the appointment of Andrew Abdo as the new CEO.

In the early hours of Monday morning, news broke regarding Abdo's resignation as NRL CEO after six years in the job.

Abdo's tenure as NRL chief executive delivered great success, achieving record crowd figures and TV ratings and leading the way on expansion projects in Perth and Papua New Guinea.

"Andrew is leaving us to be the CEO of Tennis Australia," NRL administrator Peter V'landys confirmed in a press conference. "Needless to say, it's a very sad day for rugby league. Andrew has been the ultimate professional; he has been loyal, he has been hard working... I can't think of a better CEO."

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With Abdo sitting next to V'landys during the announcement, he clarified whether he will be leaving his role as NRL CEO with immediate effect.

"It's not immediate. I've been in discussions with Peter, so I'll be continuing as the NRL CEO until the 15th of July. There is plenty of work to do," said Abdo.

The 47-year-old later added that he "wasn't offered the [Tennis Australia] job" straight away when Tiley initially departed earlier this year.

Asked when he had made his decision about accepting Tennis Australia's offer, Abdo said "we're talking days... hours".

"This is an opportunity for me to now push myself, grow, develop, and challenge myself in a different environment, in a different sport. This was a limited window, and one that held appeal for me."

The Australian tennis governing body released a statement to also announce the news after an "extensive global search".

"Tennis Australia has a unique role in Australian sport," Abdo said. "The Australian Open is already one of the leading sporting events in the world. The opportunity is to keep evolving it – as a global event, as a fan experience, and as a platform that brings more people into the sport.

"What excites me about this role is the opportunity to grow participation, strengthen development pathways and ensure success at the elite level – so that more young Australians pick up a racquet and stay lifelong participants.

"I am excited to build off the incredible success and strength of Tennis Australia to work with an amazing team and to play my part taking the sport to the next level in Australia and on the global stage."

The worst-kept secret in Australian tennis was revealed in February when Tiley stood down from his role as Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open tournament director to join the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as CEO.

“Andrew Abdo is an outstanding appointment, and I am confident he will continue to build on this strong foundation," said Tiley.

"The sport in Australia is in excellent shape. Tennis is one of the nation's most popular sports, and participation is growing. We have a great group of players performing at the highest level and a world-class team developing the next generation of talented players and coaches.

"Leading this team has been the privilege of my life. I am incredibly proud that Tennis Australia is now recognised globally as the player's partner and the benchmark for the sport, events and entertainment.

"While I look forward to the challenge at the USTA, my immediate and total focus is ensuring a smooth transition and leaving the sport, the business and the team in the best possible shape."

Both Tiley and Abdo were born in South Africa, but the main difference is that the former was heavily involved in tennis before tackling multiple roles at Tennis Australia.

It is yet to be confirmed who will be offered the Australian Open tournament director role.

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