Multi-flavoured Curry
From Mr Tim Phillips, Vice-Chairman, The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club Sir: Taki's personal attack on John Curry, chairman of the All England Club, is ill- informed and unsustainable by the facts (High life, 9 October). Had he bothered to do even a minimal amount of homework, Taki would have found out that John Curry is an 'achiever' with an unassuming and fun personality. Taki says that he is a 'nonentity'.
Some facts: John Curry has a degree and double blue (rugby and tennis) from Oxford University; is a qualified chartered accountant; secured an MBA with distinc- tion at Harvard Business School; was awarded the CBE in 1997; and played first- class rugby in the character-forming posi- tion of prop forward for Richmond.
In his business career John and his broth- er built Unitech plc into a multi-million- pound business from scratch and then sold it. In the last 12 years he has founded and developed another international high-tech- nology company, Acal plc, which employs 900 people and whose share price has near- ly quadrupled since flotation ten years ago. He is also a non-executive director of Dixons plc and other public companies.
During John Curry's ten-year honorary chairmanship of the All England Club, thanks largely to his leadership, there has been a transformation in the facilities at Wimbledon, Improvements such as the new No. 1 Court now allow spectators to enjoy watching the world's best tennis players in action in modern surroundings, as well as ensuring the Championships retain their reputation as one of the world's most pres- tigious sporting events.
Also during his tenure, the Champi- onships have provided over £200 million for the Lawn Tennis Association to invest in all levels of the game — most particularly to bring children into the sport.
A 'nonentity'? I think not.
Tim Phillips
The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19
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