Wimbledon Appoints Its First Female CEO

The organizers of the prestigious tennis tournament Wimbledon have appointed their first female chief executive officer. She is Sally Bolton who succeeded Richard Lewis as the CEO at All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC). 

Bolton has previously served as the CEO of the Wigan Rugby League and Orrell Rugby Union clubs. Also, she was responsible for the delivery of the Rugby League World Cup held in England, Wales, France and Ireland in the year 2013.

At the 2017 World Athletics Championships held in London, Bolton was the managing director of the organizing committee for two years. She has been a board member of UK Sport since 2018.

“With a proven track record of sports and event management experience at both an executive and non-executive level within the sports industry, Bolton was recognized by the AELTC Committee for her depth of experience, vision and positivity in managing a wide variety of external and internal stakeholders at both a strategic and operational level together with her commitment to striking a balance between innovation and evolutionary progress,” the AELTC stated.

Wimbledon’s chairman Ian Hewitt stated that she is an appropriate choice for the role of CEO and he elaborated upon her strengths. 

 “A well-established pedigree in international event experience across a variety of sports with her background in rugby league, athletics and here at Wimbledon over four Championships,” he said.

“To combine a depth of operational knowledge with quality strategic thinking will make a significant contribution to the future strategy and direction of the AELTC and she will be an excellent leader of our able executive team,” Hewitt added.

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The new CEO Sally Bolton will be leading the 2020 Wimbledon Championships and she is looking forward to dealing with fascinating challenges and opportunities which will arise during her service at ALTEC.

“I am thrilled to be appointed as the next Chief Executive of the AELTC. In my four years working here to date I have learned what a special place the All England Club is and to be asked to lead such a fantastic organization through the next period of its history is a tremendous honor and privilege,” Bolton announced.

In 2016 Bolton was appointed as the head of corporate affairs at All England Club. In February 2018 she was promoted as the strategic planning and operations director. She played a crucial role in the acquisition of the Wimbledon Park Golf Club.