Scott Lloyd, founder of the Next Generation gym chain, former CEO of David Lloyd Leisure and son of former professional tennis player and fitness entrepreneur David Lloyd has been appointed as the chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Lloyd will replace the outgoing Michael Downey and will formally take up the position in January 2018.

LTA chair David Gregson said Lloyd’s knowledge made him the “stand-out choice”.

Lloyd was chief executive of David Lloyd Leisure from 2007 to 2015, which has a “strong focus on tennis” as well as other sport and fitness activities.

“He has a proven record of growing and developing tennis over the last 20 years and he clearly has a deep-rooted desire to make a significant impact on our sport in the future,” Gregson added.

“After a rigorous search process, involving an outstanding selection of top quality candidates from across tennis, sport and business, Scott was the unanimous choice of the LTA’s Recruitment Committee.”

Hinting at a renewed focus on grassroots tennis, Lloyd said: “Over the last four years, the LTA has taken huge strides in helping tennis become more accessible and encouraging many more people into the sport at a grassroots level.

“However, there’s still much more to do to drive British tennis forward and I can’t wait to play my part in that very important journey.”

Downey will leave the organisation shortly after this summer’s Wimbledon tournament.