Corporate lawyer appointed new president of LTA

UK tennis governing body the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has appointed Roy Colabawalla as its new president, marking a milestone appointment for the organisation.

Roy began his three-year term on January 1, becoming the youngest president in the LTA’s history and the first to be appointed from the Warwickshire region. 

He succeeds Sandi Procter, who completed her term at the end of 2025.

Alongside his role with the LTA, Roy is a partner and head of corporate at Birmingham-based law firm Sydney Mitchell LLP. 

He has served as deputy president of the LTA for the past three years and has been a council member since 2018.

The appointment reflects Roy’s long-standing involvement in the sport, alongside his senior leadership experience in professional services.

Roy said: “I am hugely excited to become the LTA’s 24th president. 

“I am proud to be following Sandi, who has done such an amazing job, and I have greatly enjoyed working with her.

“As president, I will focus on three key priorities: continuity, inclusivity and advocacy. 

“I am committed to providing stability and clear direction during a period of transition, drawing on my experience of LTA governance and my relationships with key national and international stakeholders to support the long-term success of the sport.

“I am passionate about ensuring tennis reflects modern Britain, creating opportunity for everyone regardless of background, and strengthening the pathway for future leaders within the game. 

“I will also be a strong advocate for tennis and padel at every level, championing volunteers, coaches and officials, and working to ensure our county and grassroots structures are supported, sustainable and able to thrive.

“As the president’s role is voluntary, I will be continuing my role as head of corporate, and I am grateful to the partners at Sydney Mitchell LLP for their ongoing support of my involvement with the LTA, including my new role.”

Vicky Williams, LTA people director, added: “Roy will be our youngest president in the LTA’s history. 

“He has been a very active deputy president, and I am sure he will continue this approach in his role as president. 

“It is a very important position that bridges the grassroots of our sport with the highest levels of the international game, and Roy will bring great enthusiasm and energy to the role.”

Scott Lloyd, LTA chief executive, added: “Roy has deep experience in British tennis and is ideally placed to build on the contribution Sandi has made and the strong relationships she has developed across the sport over the past three years. 

“I have no doubt he will excel in his new role, and I would like to thank Sandi for all her hard work during her tenure.”

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