The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has unveiled an organizational restructuring that includes the separation of roles for chairman and CEO, leading to the departure of CEO Steve Simon. The decision comes amid recent criticism from players, particularly regarding the choice to hold the WTA Finals outdoors in Cancun. Simon will transition to the role of executive chairman, focusing on governance, strategic interests, integrity issues, and the development of new markets for the WTA.
The restructuring aims to provide greater focus on the WTA’s mission and goals, with the new CEO responsible for managing and growing operations. The search for Simon’s replacement is being facilitated by global executive search firm Korn Ferry, with a preference for a female candidate.
Simon’s decision to step down is not directly linked to recent controversies, including issues with the WTA Finals in Cancun or the resumption of operations in China. Instead, he sees it as a move in the best long-term interests of the organization, given its significant growth over the past eight years.
Micky Lawler, who served as president since 2015, will also leave the WTA at the end of the year to explore new opportunities. The restructured leadership aims to help the WTA achieve its objectives, including growing the game and achieving equal prize money for women by 2033.
