ORLANDO, Fla. — The organization that runs the U.S. Open announced Tuesday that Craig Tiley will become CEO of the United States Tennis Association this year.
Tiley will step down as head of Tennis Australia and tournament director of the Australian Open.
The USTA announced in a news release that Tyree will begin his new job in the coming months.
He replaces Lou Shah, who left the USTA last year to join the New York Mets as director of business operations. Shah had served as USTA’s CEO since 2022.
Tyree, a native of South Africa, was the head coach of the University of Illinois men’s tennis team from 1994 to 2005, winning the NCAA championship in 2003 and posting a 32-0 record.
He has been tournament director of the Australian Open since 2006, overseeing its expansion to a 15-day event and breaking attendance and revenue records. Tiley became CEO of Tennis Australia in 2013.
“Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest levels of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the sport at the grassroots level, a balance that is exactly what is needed at this moment,” said Brian Vahari, USTA Board Chair and USTA Interim Co-CEO.
Tiley said he was looking forward to the challenge of taking over at the USTA and was confident he could finish the Australian Open on a high note.
“I am extremely proud that Tennis Australia is now recognized globally as a partner for players and a benchmark for sport, events and entertainment,” Mr Tiley said. “Sport in Australia is in great shape. Tennis is one of the most popular sports in this country and participation is increasing significantly.”
