ITF Press Release, March 5, 2019

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Monday four appointments to the independent ITF Ethics Commission, established by the ITF Board in November 2018. Jack Anderson (Oceania), Brian Havill (Europe), David Howman (Oceania) and Urvasi Naidoo (Europe/Africa) have been appointed to the Ethics Commission, effective 15 February 2019.

The appointments have been made by the Chair of the Commission, Sandra Osborne QC, who took up the role on 1 December 2018. The members are drawn from outside tennis stakeholders, ensuring independence. Three Crowns LLP have been appointed as Legal Secretary and will provide the Commission with legal and administrative support.

The ITF Ethics Commission has been formed to uphold the ITF’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity, governance and transparency. It will define, review and enforce the framework of ethical principles outlined in the ITF Code of Ethics.

Ms Osborne, Mr Howman and Ms Naidoo also form the Election Panel. The Election Panel has responsibility for ensuring that the ITF Presidential and Board of Directors elections (taking place at the ITF AGM in Lisbon on 23-26 September) are conducted fairly and with integrity. As part of its remit, the Election Panel has issued the rules that will apply to all candidates for both elections.

ITF President David Haggerty said: “Integrity and development are key priorities for the ITF and our ITF2024 strategy to grow and strengthen our sport. These individuals bring an enormous wealth of experience in regulation, governance and ethics and ensure that the new ITF Ethics Commission, under the leadership of Sandra Osborne QC, will be an effective and significant body in the development of our sport.” 

Sandra Osborne QC added: “I am delighted to be working with a team with the skills, experience and diversity of my Colleagues on the Ethics Commission. Additionally, the oversight role in the election process of the Election Panel, a subset of the Commission, demonstrates the ITF’s commitment to an important aspect of its governance.”  

The Chair and members of the Commission are appointed for a four-year term and may be re-appointed for a further term of four years. Ms Osborne stepped down from her membership of the ITF Gender Equality in Tennis Committee in order to ensure the independence of the Ethics Commission.