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Every sports leader would say managing an organisation is far from a nine-to-five job.

Newly appointed Women's Tennis Association (WTA) leader Valerie Camillo is familiar with long hours through her career - including one as a board member with a brand management group that operates American iconic singer Dolly Parton's tourist attractions.

Beyond the expertise regarding Parton's business interests, Camillo takes over the leadership of women's tennis bringing extensive background across sport and entertainment, previously occupying senior leadership posts at the world's premier basketball league, major league hockey and Major League Baseball (MLB).

Camillo starts her new role at the WTA this November, taking over from the outgoing Steve Simon, whose 10-year tenure is ending with his retirement.

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

When Camillo begins her new role later this month, she steps into regarding major challenges previously handled by her predecessor.

The previous chair was commended recently for what was widely seen as a courageous moral stance by halting WTA events throughout the Asian nation.

It was a response regarding worries about Chinese player Peng Shuai, not seen publicly from public view for three weeks after accusing a high-ranking leader of inappropriate behavior.

But the financial consequences following the suspension were significant.

Simon climbed down from the ethical position recently and returned events to the Chinese market, subsequently looking to plug the shortfall by picking cash-rich Saudi Arabia as venue for the tour finale.

The relocation to a nation regarding gender equality faced limitations drew criticism, and during the tournament once more in Saudi Arabia soon Middle Eastern participation will come under more scrutiny.

Leadership approved a temporary arrangement with the Gulf nation - who have provided unprecedented rewards setting new standards this year - indicating Camillo will oversee the discussion regarding future in coming years.

The Saudi investment further offers major support for the tour's goal achieving pay parity for shared Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events in the near future and additional significant competitions in coming years.

The possibility for combining business interests with the ATP continues to be discussed, with the two governing bodies clearly seeing the necessity for coordination around broadcast, commercial and marketing arrangements.

The current fragmented landscape often causes fans and investors perplexed and frustrated.

Importantly, the management of the WTA and the ATP was challenged in a lawsuit by athlete representatives, that has questioned the governing bodies overlooking the interest of its stars.

The organization recognizes the obvious advantage of collaborating with the richer ATP, however the incoming leader seeks to prevent her tour losing influence during important talks and promotional activities consequently.

Listening to concerns concerning tournament dates and athlete exhaustion remains among top priorities.

Given she leads managing simultaneously athletes and events, she will have to consider the requirements from all sides and strike a balance between driving revenue and player well-being producing those earnings.

Driving Additional Expansion During Sports Renaissance

Simon relinquished his dual role from multiple roles recently - subsequent to multiple major winner Martina Navratilova leading calls for change - and the organizational shift concludes with the appointment of Camillo.

This appointment signals further acceleration during a changing time within women's tennis, aiming to expand its visibility within competitive sports media.

Camillo must focus on increasing the visibility of women's tennis and could look to examples through direct involvement observing Grammy-winning Parton - with her 'Dollywood' theme park and branded items combined with performing career to create global appeal - is heralded as a beacon of brand-building success.

Across sports business, Camillo will utilize her expertise gained while leading the business operations with the hockey franchise professional squad - notably upgrading their Wells Fargo Center into a world-class stadium - and being chief revenue officer of the Washington Nationals baseball side.

Camillo's familiarity with the commercial sophistication across premier competitions - particularly how they unlock fan growth and secure funding through innovation - regarded as a key reason for choosing her.

The transition to women's tennis coincides with "a moment of accelerated growth and opportunity", says the WTA.

The time is now in female athletics. Financial returns in women's competitions in the past year reached record levels and market researchers anticipate it will hit $2.5bn (£1.8bn) by 2030.

The new leader's goal will be to ensure the tour and top players - including Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek - secure substantial portion of the expanding market.

"Our organization includes the biggest women's sports stars in the world and hold advantageous standing across female athletics," Camillo told.

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

"For most part the challenge for women's sports involves establishing recognition, gaining audience and engagement," stated the chair.

"Our situation varies somewhat - having established legacy, with substantial heritage, extensive international reach, and among the most recognized, best-rewarded players in the world."