Craig Tiley , CEO Craig Tiley is recognised as one of Australia ’ s most innovative and forward thinking chief executives . His charismatic and passionate nature together with his business acumen has leveraged him to the forefront of sports administration and the leader behind Australia ’ s largest and most successful international sporting event .
value and innovation via entertainment . It goes further than insourcing – for example , an R & D centre has been set up to coordinate with all Australian universities on innovations that can boost the bottom line . Tiley , a ‘ citizen of the world ’ himself , has gone international to hire the best commercial , media rights and entertainment people . “ I have specifically designed the leadership teams around a very international model . We have looked out rather than in .” The transformation of TA from being a tennis federation into a midsize ASX-listed business , which is not only a tennis business but also an entertainment business , is in full progress . With production and broadcasting brought under control , the way is open to bring in wider entertainment events focused on music , kids , and food . The last of these is a no brainer in Melbourne , which has a strong culinary culture . “ We brought in some of the best chefs and the best restaurants and put them right on site ,” Tiley says . “ We know that if you add music you are going to draw a big market so we have become a music promoter , with 80-plus bands and acts .” Of course all
Craig Tiley , CEO Craig Tiley is recognised as one of Australia ’ s most innovative and forward thinking chief executives . His charismatic and passionate nature together with his business acumen has leveraged him to the forefront of sports administration and the leader behind Australia ’ s largest and most successful international sporting event .
Tiley has been Tournament Director of the Australian Open since 2006 and was appointed CEO of Tennis Australia ( TA ) in 2013 . His relationship with the playing group and relentless focus on improvement has transformed the Australian Open into the players ’ favourite Grand Slam and Australia ’ s favourite sporting event , bringing 728,000 people through the gates annually , delivering more than AU $ 300mn in direct economic benefit to Australia and reaching a global audience of more than 350mn .
fdfworld . com 65