Mumbai: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) has announced the promotion of Charlotte Whitby-Coles to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic move underscores the league’s commitment to growth and operational excellence as it continues to redefine the sportainment experience in India and globally. Charlotte, who played a pivotal role in player scouting, management, and relations during WPBL’s inaugural season, has been recognized for her on-the-ground expertise in delivering a seamless, world-class experience for fans and participants alike.
In her new role, Charlotte will drive the league’s strategic direction, overseeing operations, production, and execution. The appointment acknowledges her significant contributions and her ability to elevate WPBL’s standing in the competitive sports industry. Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, expressed his confidence in Charlotte’s leadership, saying, “Charlotte has brought tremendous value to WPBL, ensuring our first season delivered on its promise of top-tier pickleball action on the court and unmatched entertainment off it. Her career spans multiple fields, including sports and entertainment, with extensive experience in tennis, pickleball, film production, and academia. This unique, holistic perspective makes her the ideal choice to lead WPBL to even greater heights. Women make up 40% of the pickleball community of India and throughout the world and are an integral part of the sport. We are committed to integrating more women into every aspect of pickleball, and having Charlotte take on a leadership role in the WPBL is reflective of how we can achieve this goal and promote the inclusion of women in the sport.”
Charlotte brings over 17 years of experience as a former tennis player and as the founder of a tennis and pickleball academy in Panchgani. Her academy has played a vital role in introducing the sport to schools and expanding grassroots participation in the region. With her background in competitive sports and athlete management, she has been crucial in curating a diverse and competitive talent pool for the league.
Reflecting on her promotion, Charlotte Whitby-Coles shared, “I have known Gaurav and Arati for a long time now, and we share a great respect for each other as friends and professionals. I have witnessed at close quarters their impressive ability to execute their vision and ideas successfully, and the grand scale of season 1 was testament to that. The journey so far has been amazing, so the decision to accept this new role was an easy one. I am truly grateful and honoured for the opportunity and trust bestowed upon me, and I look forward to working with Gaurav and Arati and the whole team at WPBL to make Season 2 even bigger and better.”
The inaugural season of WPBL, held in Mumbai from January 24 to February 2, 2025, showcased top international talent, with the Bengaluru Jawans emerging as the champions. As WPBL sets its sights on Season 2, Charlotte’s leadership is expected to play a key role in continuing the league’s growth and expanding its global footprint.
