Gavin Ziv's journey at Tennis Canada started when he was a ball kid in 1987. It set him on a path that has led him to the top job at the national sport organization.
Ziv, who currently serves as senior vice-president and chief tournaments officer, will become chief executive officer in late fall, Tennis Canada announced Tuesday.
He'll succeed the retiring Michael Downey in the position. "As I sit here today, a dream has been realized," Ziv said on a video call. "Tennis, and specifically Canadian tennis, has been woven into the fabric of my life and this organization holds a special place in my heart." Downey, who spent 15 years — over two terms — as CEO, is set to retire on Dec.
31 after announcing those plans last February. Since Downey first took the job in 2004, Canadian tennis has enjoyed several strong years at the elite level.