Paris, Dec 23 - Former tennis professional Brad Drewett, 53, has been appointed ATP's new executive chairman and president.

Drewett, now an ATP senior executive, was voted in unanimously by the ATP board of directors and he will begin his three-year term from January 1. He will operate from the ATP's London office.

Drewett served as an elected member of the Player Council and an ATP Player Board representative (1993-1999). He has also been tournament director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and formerly of the Tennis Masters Cup since 2001, and has been instrumental in the event's tremendous success.

During his 12-year professional playing career, Drewett reached a career-high ranking of 34 in singles, winning two ATP World Tour titles, and represented Australia in Davis Cup competition. The Australian Open Junior champion (1975, 1977) reached the quarter-finals in his first Grand Slam in Melbourne in 1976.

"I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organisation that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career," Drewett said.

"The ATP World Tour and men's tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organisation on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead."

ATP Player Council President Roger Federer said: "Brad is a very experienced executive and has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years. He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the Tour's stakeholders. I am confident that Brad's work ethic and leadership will help contribute to the continued success of the ATP World Tour." (IANS)