​The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced that Kelly Fairweather, an alumnus of Stellenbosch University (SU), will start as the organisation's Chief Operating Officer effective 1 January 2017. He will take over the reins from Juan Margets. Fairweather is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the International Hockey Federation.

He received his Master's Degree in Human Movement Studies from SU in 1991, after he received his honour's degree (cum laude) in 1988.

He has previously served as the International Olympic Committee sports director from 2003-2007, the CEO of the Sports Performance Institute of Stellenbosch University (SUSPI) from 2007-2008 and was the director of the European office of the World Anti-Doping Agency from 2009-10.

"The ITF is excited to have Kelly join us in the role of Chief Operating Officer," said ITF President David Haggerty in a statement available on the organisation's website. 

"Kelly's extensive experience in the Olympic movement as well as his in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by international federations made him the perfect candidate to help the ITF fulfil its mission to develop, grow and promote tennis around the world. We have an ambitious agenda as part of ITF 2024 and we know that Kelly's experience will help us to achieve our goals."