INDIAN WELLS, Calif., October 5, 2015 – Steve Simon, the BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director and Indian Wells Tennis Garden Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed WTA Chief Executive Officer, it was announced today. Simon will be leaving the tournament and venue at the end of November. Simon joined the tournament in 1989 in a sponsorship sales role after working with adidas for six years. He became Tournament Director and COO in 2004, and since then he has artfully steered the event and venue along a path to significant growth, development and prestige. 

At the end of the 2013 tournament, Simon and Indian Wells Tennis Garden CEO Raymond Moore oversaw a significant expansion that included a new permanent Stadium 2 with 8,000  seats and three restaurants, including world-renowned Nobu; four more practice courts; an additional 19,000  square foot shade structure, and more. In 2015, more than 456,000  people attended the event – a 70 percent increase in attendance since 2004 – which continued the event’s run as the most-attended tournament in the world outside of the four Majors. 

“I am exceptionally grateful to both Charlie Pasarell and Raymond Moore for the opportunity they gave me more than 25 years ago to work at the BNP Paribas Open,” said Simon. “I have cherished my time here, and everyone involved with the event – staff, volunteers, players, officials and many more – who have made this event into the exceptional tournament it has become. I am humbled and excited about the opportunity, and leave the tournament knowing that the team in place, under the guidance of Moore and owner Larry Ellison, will continue to excel and keep the BNP Paribas Open as one of the best events in the world.”

“Steve Simon has done an outstanding job in his role as Tournament Director,” said Moore. “His commitment, hard work and vision will leave a lasting impact on our tournament for years to come. He is very passionate about the health and growth of the sport of tennis, and the WTA has made a fantastic choice in placing him in the role of CEO. I am confident in the team here at the BNP Paribas Open, and we will continue to focus on delivering a terrific tournament in 2016.”