Archer Steps Down as WTA CEO After Less Than 2 Years in the Role

Portia Archer has stepped down from her role as chief executive officer of the WTA less than two years after being appointed, the governing body of elite women’s tennis said on Wednesday. WTA chair Valerie Camillo informed staff, members and other stakeholders of Archer’s departure on Wednesday in a note which the organization shared with Reuters. The letter did not specify a reason for Archer’s departure but said she had left her role effective April ⁠20 ahead of ⁠her contract renewal. The American had replaced Steve Simon, who relinquished his role as CEO after eight years in late 2023. Simon remained as executive chairman of the organization until Camillo was appointed in October last year. “We are ⁠working through a transition plan for the leadership of the WTA and will share an update on this by mid-May,” Camillo wrote in the note. Archer, previously a senior executive at the National Basketball Association, took charge as WTA CEO in July 2024 and led day-to-day business strategy and operations, helping it expand into new markets.