EXCLUSIVE: Anne Keothavong to increase Wimbledon’s diversity as former British No 1 gets set to become first member of its main committee from a BAME background
- Wimbledon are set to appoint its first BAME main committee member
- Anne Keothavong will join the 12-person board by the end of the year
- Her elevation will mean there is no longer a lack of BAME representation
- Andy Murray has been vocal in the lack of ethnic diversity in the tennis authority
Wimbledon is set to increase the diversity of its governance by making Anne Keothavong the first member of its main committee from a BAME background.
Sportsmail understands that the 37-year-old former British No 1, who was born and raised in Hackney and is of Laotian heritage, will join the 12-person board by the end of the year.
Her elevation will mean that there is no longer a complete lack of BAME representation on Wimbledon’s most important committee or the board of the Lawn Tennis Association.
Wimbledon is set to appoint its first BAME member to their 12-person main committee
Former British No 1 Anne Keothavong will join the main committee by the end of the year
On Thursday, Andy Murray used his Instagram feed to pointedly remark on a social media post which featured Mal Washington, 1996 finalist at SW19, bemoaning the shortage of ethnic role models in tennis authority in an interview with The Times. ‘Tennis in 2020’ commented Murray, alongside a puzzled face emoji.
Keothavong, an ex-top 50 player, is a highly-respected figure in the British game, captain of the GB team in the Billie Jean King Cup and regularly appears as a TV commentator.
The All England Club, which runs The Championships, is essentially a private members’ institution which rotates their main committee every year on a four-on, four-off basis.
Keothavong’s election looks assured as there are only four candidates proposed to come in at the AGM in December.
Her elevation will mean there is no longer a complete lack of BAME representation
In the wake of this year’s tournament being cancelled, new chairman Ian Hewitt pledged to try to ensure an increase in diversity in positions of authority. Next year the All England will have its first female chief executive when Sally Bolton takes over from Richard Lewis.
The 12-person main committee steers the affairs of the club and the tournament. With players looking to organise more in terms of unions, Wimbledon has also been keen to bring in individuals in touch with the modern game. Last week ex-player Jamie Baker was named head of professional tennis and tournament director.
The Lawn Tennis Association has also resolved to try to bring in representation from BAME communities on its main board.
Wimbledon said in a statement: ‘The AELTC is delighted that Anne has been nominated by the Committee to join the Main Board.’
Andy Murray had on Thursday bemoaned the lack of diversity within the tennis authority
