Brisbane International boss Geoff Quinlan won’t be around to see fruits of labour after shock resignation

GEOFF Quinlan had assembled perhaps the most compelling men’s field in the Brisbane International’s history. But he won’t be around to see the fruits of his labour after resigning.

Geoff Quinlan won’t be overseeing the next Brisbane International.

BRISBANE International tournament director Geoff Quinlan has resigned, effectively immediately, 33 days before the start of the tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Quinlan, who has been in the role since late 2016 and was to run his second Brisbane tournament this summer, cited personal reasons for his resignation, Tennis Australia said.

Quinlan had previously worked for Tennis Australia in regional Queensland and Perth, where he was general manager of the Hopman Cup and CEO of Tennis Western Australia.

Cameron Pearson will return as tournament director for the 10th Brisbane International, which starts on December 31.

The hard-working Quinlan had assembled perhaps the most compelling men’s field in the event’s history, with world No.1 Rafael Nadal, third-ranked Grigor Dimitrov, top-ranked Aussie Nick Kyrgios and former top-five players Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori having entered.

Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov is returning.

Pearson had been succeeded by Quinlan when he was promoted by TA in late 2016 to a role taking responsibility for the Australian Open’s lead-up tournaments and other major events, including Davis Cup ties.

Quinlan was also Tennis Queensland CEO and Mark Handley has been appointed acting CEO until the position is filled next year.

“The combination of Mark and Cameron’s experience will allow Tennis Queensland to continue to grow the sport and deliver world-class tennis this summer,’’ a TA spokesperson said.

Originally published as Brisbane International boss Geoff Quinlan won’t be around to see fruits of labour after shock resignation