LEAD: Former player Brad Drewett to head ATP

Dec 22, 2011, 14:53 GMT

London - The ATP on Thursday ended more than half a year of uncertainty, appointing former player Brad Drewett to head the men's tennis organisation from January 1.

Australian Drewett, a longtime head of the Asian division of the sanctioning body who has been mainly responsible for the successful marketing thrust into China over the past decade, takes over from lawyer Adam Helfant, who will leave next week at the end of a three-year contract.

Drewett, 53, was named as Executive Chairman and President and will be based in London as he moves from his base in Sydney. His contract calls for a three-year term, with the choice voted unanimously by the Board of Directors.

Drewett has extensive experience at the ATP where he has headed the International Group, with operations in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions since 1999.

Prior to that, Drewett served as an elected member of the Player Council and an ATP Player Board Representative (1993-1999). He has also been Tournament Director of the World Tour Finals in London and formerly the Tennis Masters Cup since 2001, and has been instrumental in the event's tremendous success.

During his 12-year professional playing career, Drewett reached a career-high ranking of 34 in singles, winning two titles, and represented Australia in Davis Cup.

'I'm honoured to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organisation that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career,' Drewett said.

'The ATP World Tour and men's tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organisation on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.'

The appointment was welcomed by Player Council president Roger Federer.

'Brad is a very experienced executive and has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years. He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the Tour's stakeholders,' the Swiss Federer said.

'I'm confident that Brad's work ethic and leadership will help contribute to the continued success of the ATP World Tour.'