Sydney Mitchell partner appointed youngest president in Lawn Tennis Association history

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced the appointment of Roy Colabawalla as its new President, making him the youngest President in the organisation’s history and the first to be appointed from the Warwickshire region.

Colabawalla, a partner and head of the corporate team at Birmingham law firm Sydney Mitchell, began his three-year tenure on 1 January 2026.

His appointment follows three years as deputy president of the LTA and service as an LTA Council member since 2018.

A corporate partner at top-ranking, award-winning West Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell LLP, Colabawalla advises on a broad range of corporate matters including mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity, joint ventures, group reorganisations and commercial transactions.

He works with clients across the UK and across a variety of sectors including hospitality, leisure and retail.

The association has been involved in tennis for more than 20 years, holding a wide range of roles across the sport.

These include multiple club positions, supporting the Cliff Richard Tennis Foundation, involvement with the LTA’s international tournament at Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, several county committee roles, and volunteering on the LTA Council.

Colabawalla succeeds Sandi Procter, who completed her three-year term as LTA President at the end of 2025.

Roy Colabawalla 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.”

Sydney Mitchell LLP was founded over 260 years ago and has offices in Birmingham and Solihull. Its specialist legal services include employment, commercial property, corporate services, shareholder disputes, contract law, litigation, personal injury, insolvency, residential property, dispute resolution, immigration, wills and probate, tax and trusts, and family and child law.