LONDON — Tennis legend Andy Murray has embarked on a surprising and heartwarming new venture far removed from the baseline, signing on as a brand ambassador for Scottish food manufacturer Albert Bartlett. The new role, which sees the three-time Grand Slam champion trade his racket for a rooster, has received the full-throated endorsement of his wife, Kim Sears, whose feelings on the career move have been made perfectly clear.
The partnership, announced this week, aligns the Murray name with the family-owned company famous for its "Auld Reekie" brand potatoes and its iconic strutting cockerel logo. For Murray, a proud Scot, the collaboration is a natural fit, allowing him to champion a homegrown business with a rich heritage. The news was met with widespread approval, but it was Kim Murray's public reaction that truly captured the public's attention.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Kim shared the official announcement with a caption that left no room for doubt about her support. She wrote, "My husband the potato," followed by a series of crying-laughing emojis. The playful and affectionate post was instantly shared by fans and media outlets, showcasing the couple's famously down-to-earth and humorous dynamic, even as they navigate life after elite sport.
This new gig signals a significant and deliberate shift for Murray as he continues to wind down his professional tennis career. After an emotional farewell at Wimbledon this summer, where he competed in both singles and doubles, the 37-year-old has been openly exploring opportunities that allow him to spend more time with Kim and their four children while remaining engaged in the business and charitable worlds.
A Perfect Match: Scottish Pride and Family Values
The collaboration between Andy Murray and Albert Bartlett is built on a foundation of shared Scottish identity and a commitment to community. The company, established in 1948, remains a family-run business, a quality that resonates deeply with Murray, who has always emphasized the importance of his own family's support throughout his career. In a statement, Murray expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "Albert Bartlett is a fantastic Scottish family business with strong values, which is something that is really important to me."
He further elaborated on the personal connection, noting, "I’ve grown up with the brand and I’m looking forward to working with the team and being part of their exciting journey as they continue to grow the business and launch new and innovative products." This sentiment underscores a move away from the global, high-pressure world of international tennis toward ventures that feel closer to home and heart.
Kim Murray: The Unwavering Pillar of Support
Kim Sears Murray has long been a constant and grounding presence in Andy's life, often seen supporting him from the player's box during his greatest triumphs and most challenging defeats. An accomplished artist, she has gracefully managed the spotlight while maintaining her own identity and raising their family. Her public endorsement of the Albert Bartlett role is consistent with her history of unwavering support for her husband's decisions.
Her humorous social media post does more than just generate a laugh; it provides a glimpse into the normal, relatable family life they are now prioritizing. This new chapter allows for a stability that was often impossible during the relentless grind of the ATP tour. The key benefits of this career transition, as clearly supported by Kim, include:
- Family Time: A more predictable schedule allowing for school runs, family dinners, and holidays.
- Reduced Travel: Less time spent on airplanes and more time at their home in Surrey.
- Local Focus: The opportunity to work with and promote British and Scottish businesses.
- Personal Fulfillment: Engaging in projects that align with personal values and heritage.
A source close to the couple was quoted as saying, "Kim has always been Andy's rock. She's thrilled to see him embracing opportunities that make him happy and allow him to be more present. The tennis world will always be a part of them, but this is about building their future together, on their own terms."
Beyond the Court: Murray's Evolving Business Portfolio
The Albert Bartlett partnership is not Murray's first foray into business, but it is perhaps his most symbolic. He has invested in a diverse range of companies through his venture capital firm, 77, which focuses on supporting ambitious businesses in the UK and beyond. His portfolio includes:
- TRR Nutrition: A performance nutrition brand.
- Chloe's Countertop: A healthy, prepared meal service.
- Game4Padel: An initiative to grow the sport of padel in the UK.
- Uptime: An app designed to improve mobility and prevent injury.
This strategic diversification demonstrates a clear vision for his post-tennis life. The Albert Bartlett role, however, stands out as a classic brand ambassadorship, leveraging his immense public profile and trusted reputation to represent a beloved household name. An industry analyst commented, "Murray's brand is built on integrity, hard work, and Scottish pride. For a company like Albert Bartlett, that's marketing gold."
A Lasting Legacy and a New Chapter
As Andy Murray steps into this new role, the narrative is one of a celebrated athlete gracefully transitioning into the next phase of his life. The resounding approval from his wife, Kim, serves as a powerful testament to the health of their partnership and their shared excitement for the future. While the tennis world will forever remember his two Wimbledon titles, his two Olympic gold medals, and his relentless fighting spirit, this new chapter adds a different, more personal dimension to his legacy.
He is not just a champion on the court, but a family man, a savvy businessman, and now, an ambassador for Scottish produce. In a final statement on the partnership, Murray said, "It’s a brand I know and trust, and I’m excited to get started and help share their story." With Kim and their family firmly by his side, that story promises to be a fulfilling and successful one, proving that life after tennis can be just as rewarding.