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Any sports executive would say managing an organisation isn't just a typical workday.

Recently named Women's Tennis Association (WTA) president Valerie Camillo understands working around the clock in her previous roles - notably as a board member for a tourism firm managing American iconic singer Dolly Parton's theme parks.

Beyond her contributions into Parton's business interests, Camillo arrives at the helm at women's tennis armed with deep knowledge across sport and entertainment, previously occupying key executive jobs at the top professional basketball organization, major league hockey and professional baseball.

Camillo will begin her leadership position at the WTA next month, succeeding the veteran Steve Simon, after his lengthy leadership wraps up as he steps down.

Saudi Future, Pay Parity & Potential ATP Merger - Tackling the Big Issues

As Camillo takes charge in mid-November, she will inherit responsibility facing significant matters faced by her predecessor.

Simon drew praise in 2021 for taking a courageous moral stance through pausing WTA events across China.

It was a response to concern for Chinese player Peng Shuai, not seen publicly from public view for several weeks following allegations a top Chinese official of sexual assault.

Yet the financial consequences of the decision were significant.

Simon climbed down from his moral stance last year and took the Tour back to China, afterward pursuing to address the deficit by choosing wealthy Gulf nation to host for the annual championship.

The move to a country where women's rights have historically been restricted was controversial, and as the championship occurs once more in Saudi Arabia soon Middle Eastern participation faces examination.

Leadership approved a temporary arrangement with the Saudis - offering unprecedented rewards setting new standards for the current season - meaning Camillo will be leading the discussion of what happens in coming years.

The Saudi investment also provides a significant boost toward organizational aims ensuring equal compensation at all combined Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events in the near future and all other major tournaments within the decade.

The prospect of the WTA merging financial operations together with ATP continues to be discussed, with the two governing bodies clearly seeing the importance of unification regarding media, information and partnership agreements.

The existing separated structure regularly leaves fans and investors uncertain and disappointed.

Notably, the management of the WTA and the ATP faced opposition via court proceedings by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which has criticised the tours overlooking competitor needs.

The organization recognizes the obvious advantage of partnering with the wealthier men's tour, yet the new chair aims to avoid the WTA losing influence during important talks and brand development as a result.

Listening to concerns regarding calendar and athlete exhaustion will also be among top priorities.

Since her position requires she leads both competitors and competitions, it will be essential to listen to the needs for each group and achieve compromise increasing income and athlete welfare creating that revenue.

Accelerating Development in Women's Sport Boom

Leadership changed hands from combined positions recently - after 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova pushing for transformation - and the leadership change finalizes through the appointment of Camillo.

Her arrival signals continued progress during a changing time across the tour, seeking to grow its visibility amid growing athletic business.

Camillo is tasked with elevating the reach of women's tennis and can draw inspiration from personal exposure witnessing award-winning artist - with her 'Dollywood' theme park and branded items combined with performing career to create global appeal - celebrated as a model of commercial development.

Within athletics, Camillo can apply her experience gained while leading commercial activities with the hockey franchise sports organization - specifically improving their home arena as top facility - and holding financial leadership with the MLB franchise professional organization.

The new leader's knowledge about marketing strategies within major leagues - notably approaches to fan growth and secure funding using new ideas - is seen as an important factor for choosing her.

Her move into women's tennis arrives during "a moment of accelerated growth and opportunity", says the WTA.

Currently represents across women's competitions. Revenue generated across women's sport in the past year reached record levels and business analysts forecast reaching $2.5bn (£1.8bn) in the coming decade.

Her primary objective will be to ensure the WTA and its leading stars - including Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek - secure substantial portion from the growth.

"Our organization includes the biggest women's sports stars internationally and hold advantageous standing within the industry," the new chair stated.

"Throughout female athletics, sponsorship, fans and attention expand significantly.

"For most part the difficulty facing female athletics involves establishing recognition, gaining audience and engagement," added Camillo.

"Our situation varies somewhat - with over five decades of history, with substantial heritage, extensive international reach, and among the most recognized, best-rewarded players worldwide."