Who is President of the All England Tennis Club?
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) is the world’s most prestigious tennis club and home of the Wimbledon Championships. It is based in Wimbledon, London, and was founded in 1868. The current president of the AELTC is Ian Hewitt, who was elected in 2017.
History of the Club
The AELTC was established in 1868 by six gentlemen, headed by John H. H. Patterson, who had the vision of creating a tennis club and hosting the first Wimbledon Championship. It was initially known as the All England Croquet Club, and by 1875, lawn tennis was added to the list of activities.
The first Wimbledon Championship was held in 1877 and was a great success, with the men’s singles event being won by Spencer Gore. The tournament has been held every year since then, and is now one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, alongside the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open.
The Role of the President
The role of the President of the AELTC is a very important one. The President is responsible for representing the Club to the public and is the official representative at all important functions. They are also responsible for the overall running of the Club, including the management of the finances, staff, and the Wimbledon Championships.
Past Presidents of the AELTC
The list of past presidents of the AELTC is very distinguished. It includes many noteworthy figures, including the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, who held the position from 2007-2017. Other past presidents include:
- Lord Aberdare – 1904-1909
- The Earl of Clarendon – 1909-1913
- The Earl of Lytton – 1913-1917
- The Duke of York (later King George VI) – 1917-1942
- The Earl of Portsmouth – 1942-1947
- The Viscount Wakefield – 1947-1953
- The Earl of Bessborough – 1953-1959
- The Marquess of Milford Haven – 1959-1965
- The Earl of Home – 1965-1970
- The Earl of Arran – 1970-1975
- The Lord MacLaurin – 1975-1980
- The Earl of Harewood – 1980-1985
- The Earl of Longford – 1985-1990
- Edward William Stanley, 18th Earl of Derby – 1990-1995
- The Lord Henley – 1995-2000
- The Earl of Wessex – 2000-2007
- David Cameron – 2007-2017
The Current President: Ian Hewitt
The current President of the AELTC is Ian Hewitt, who was elected to the role in 2017. He is the first former player to be elected to the role, having competed in the Wimbledon Championships on five occasions between 1962 and 1967.
Mr. Hewitt is an experienced businessman, having held executive positions at various companies, including the London Stock Exchange. He is also a former member of the AELTC’s Main Committee, having been elected in 2007.
Ian Hewitt’s Vision for the AELTC
In his role as President of the AELTC, Mr. Hewitt has set out a vision for the Club which includes:
- Ensuring that the Wimbledon Championships remain the world’s premier tennis event
- Developing the Club’s presence and facilities
- Increasing the Club’s international profile
- Making the Wimbledon Championships more accessible and enjoyable for everyone
- Developing a world-class tennis academy
The Role of the AELTC in the World of Tennis
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is widely regarded as the premier tennis club in the world. It is the oldest and most prestigious of the four Grand Slam tournaments, and is renowned for its impeccable and prestigious grounds.
The Club has a long and rich history in the sport of tennis and has been at the forefront of the sport for over a century. It has served as a platform for the best players in the world to compete and has produced some of the greatest champions in the history of the sport.
The AELTC and the Wimbledon Championships
The Wimbledon Championships is the highlight of the AELTC’s calendar and the most prestigious event in the sport of tennis. It is the only Grand Slam tournament to be held on grass courts, and is renowned for its strict adherence to tradition.
The tournament is held over two weeks in late June and early July and attracts the best players in the world. The winner of the men’s singles event is awarded the trophy, a silver gilt cup, known as the ‘Cup of Life’.
Conclusion
Ian Hewitt is the current President of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and is the first former player to be elected to the role. He has set out a vision for the Club which includes ensuring that the Wimbledon Championships remain the world’s premier tennis event, developing the Club’s presence and facilities, and increasing the Club’s international profile. The AELTC is the oldest and most prestigious tennis club in the world and is renowned for the Wimbledon Championships, which is the highlight of the Club’s calendar.