Robin Reynolds and Bob Moran to head Family Circle Cup

Meredith Corporation announced last week that Reynolds will serve as the new Facility and Tournament Director and Moran as the Director of Sales and Business Development at the Family Circle Cup and Tennis Center. The promotions of these long term Family Circle Cup executives comes on the heels of the retirement of Frankie Whelan, effective Jan. 1.

Reynolds praised the staff at the facility as "one of the most talented staffs" assembled in the industry and said she is "absolutely thrilled and honored to be given the opportunity." Reynolds added, "I am really excited to be part of a team to make the tournament and facility better."

Moran echoed Reynolds’ sentiments, explaining that Meredith recognizes the talent on the Family Circle Cup staff and plans to utilize them to promote some of Meredith’s other nationwide projects and events.

Reynolds came to the Family Circle Cup in August of 2003 with over 20 years experience in the professional sports, fitness and recreation industry. Prior to joining the Family Circle Cup, she was President of R&R Dreams, Inc., a full service sports and special events consulting firm which worked with numerous clients including the WTA Tour, USA Network, Turner Sports, the Family Circle Cup and other professional tennis tournaments.

For the past three years, Reynolds served as Public Relations and Communications Director of the Family Circle Cup and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day communications, promotional, community/charity initiatives and public relations functions. In her new role as Facility and Tournament Director, she will oversee various aspects of the tournament including operations, food and beverage, tickets, player services, advertising, marketing and special events.

"The Family Circle Cup is committed to always improving," Reynolds said. She explained that after each tournament the staff looks at ways to make the tournament better for the players, sponsors, media and others involved with the tournament.

Moran joined the Family Circle Cup in 1999 as Sponsorship Sales Manager and moved into the position of National Sales Manager in 2004. He was part of the original management team that brought the tournament to Charleston. Previously, he worked at Gracedale Sports and Entertainment in Chicago. He has over nine years of sports marketing experience. As Director of Sales and Business Development, he will continue to oversee the sales department for the Family Circle Cup and will be instrumental in generating and implementing sponsorships for the tournament. In addition, he will oversee the research and development of future events and projects for the organization.

"I’m looking forward to continuing to bring new events to the facility," Moran said. He explained that he hopes to explore Fed Cup opportunities, events on the men’s side as well as to fill the facility with non-tennis events and concerts.

Moran and Reynolds said that they did not expect to make any big changes in the near future.

Reynolds added that they are "focusing on pulling together a great event" this April.

Whelan has been Executive Director of the Family Circle Cup for the past four years. During her tenure, the Family Circle Cup has grown in popularity with over 92,000 spectators attending last year’s event.

"My career in special events and professional sports has been very satisfying," Whelan said. "I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished and I know that I leave this facility in very capable hands."

"Frankie has been a valuable asset to this organization and her enthusiasm and passion for her job always showed through. We wish her the very best in her retirement," said Nancy Weber, Vice President/Group Marketing Director, Meredith Corporation. "At the same time, I am thrilled to promote both Robin and Bob. They bring to their new positions a wealth of experience, and I know they both share in my excitement about the future of this tournament and facility. Meredith is committed to helping this facility achieve its full potential. Robin and Bob will play a critical role in that growth."

The executive shake up at the Family Circle Cup and Tennis Center includes the recent exit of Mike Finley as tournament director. The changes come on the heels of Meredith’s purchase of the Family Circle Cup from Gruner+Jahr USA Publishing earlier this past summer.