James Mercer Leaves RFL to Join LTA as Commercial Director

Rugby Football League (RFL) Commercial Director James Mercer is set to depart his role to join the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) in a similar role.

James has been at his position Rugby Football League (RFL) where for the last two years he has driven revenues across the sport’s major properties including the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, advice First Utility Super League, Tetley’s Challenge Cup and the England team.

Speaking about his appointment, James said: “I am very excited to be joining the LTA. British tennis is well poised in its development cycle with success at elite level which inspires us all. It’s a wonderful time to work closely with the current family of LTA partners and build on the strong foundations that are in place to drive new revenue streams, and maximise the commercial potential for the sport in this country.”

James began his career at ProServ/SFX in 1995, where he managed their roster of tennis clients which included Stefan Edberg, Janko Tipsarevic and Greg Rusedski. He then joined the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as Commercial Manager from 2000-2006, before joining North One Sport from 2006-2012 as Sponsorship Director and then Commercial & Media Director.

LTA Chief Executive Michael Downey welcomed the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome James to the LTA as our new Commercial Director. James combines a proven track record in corporate partnership sales and service, and relevant tennis experience which means he will get off the mark fast, adding real value to tennis in Britain and to our corporate partners.”