Ash Barty reveals new gig after retiring from tennis

Ash Barty’s new role has been revealed with the tennis champion joining the ranks of a major company after her retirement earlier this year.

Months after retiring from tennis, Ash Barty has taken up a new role with a major Australian company.

Optus revealed on Wednesday it had appointed Barty its “Chief of Inspiration” in her first corporate partnership since she hung up her racquet in March.

According to Optus, the role will see Barty “feature in a mix of content initiatives, employee engagement programs and community-focused campaigns aimed at connecting Australians together and inspiring them to say ‘yes’ to their dreams, goals, and ambitions”.

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The 26-year-old said: “I decided to prioritise Ash Barty the person, over Ash Barty the tennis player, and in doing so I’ve realised I can help so many more people through my charity work, my role as the National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador, and now with Optus as their Chief of Inspiration.

“It’s very humbling that my story has inspired so many people, but the reality is there are millions of everyday Australians who have the courage and commitment to say ‘yes’ just like I did.

“I welcome the opportunity to encourage more people to say yes to the things they love.”

Ash Barty will be working alongside Daniel Ricciardo. (Photo by Matthew Lewis)

Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said: “At Optus, we pride ourselves on our role in keeping Australians connected to what matters most – from everyday life through to times of national crisis, we support communities and businesses to thrive in the digital age.

“Ash is a true Australian icon and role model – her performance on the courts epitomised a challenger spirit, determination and strength, while her community work has demonstrated the power of optimism in action. We’re thrilled to bring this partnership to life and inspire more Australians to enable their tech futures and unlock the power of ‘yes’.”

Barty joins a string of high profile Australians including swimmer Ian Thorpe, Paralympian Ellie Cole and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, who all have corporate partnerships with the telco.

Ash Barty has been busy in 2022. Photo: Nic Morley.

Barty has kept busy since announcing her retirement earlier this year after she claimed her third grand slam title at the Australian Open.

She visited Indigenous communities in Central Australia, written a series children’s books and played golf in the Icons Series.

Barty also got married to her longtime partner Garry Kissick and will release a memoir about her tennis career later this year.

Originally published as Ash Barty reveals new gig after retiring from tennis