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Every sports leader will tell you managing a major entity is far from a nine-to-five job.

Recently named Women's Tennis Association (WTA) president Valerie Camillo knows about long hours from past positions - notably in a strategic role with a brand management group managing American iconic singer Dolly Parton's entertainment venues.

As well as the expertise into Parton's portfolio, Camillo steps into the top of women's tennis bringing extensive background throughout athletics and show business, with past roles in senior leadership posts at the world's premier basketball league, the premier ice hockey competition and Major League Baseball (MLB).

Camillo will begin her leadership position at the WTA in the coming weeks, taking over from the outgoing Steve Simon, whose 10-year tenure wraps up as he steps down.

Middle East Expansion, Pay Parity & Potential ATP Merger - Tackling Major Challenges

When Camillo begins her new role in mid-November, she steps into regarding major challenges previously handled by her predecessor.

The previous chair was commended two years ago for what was widely seen as a principled decision by halting WTA events in China.

The move followed to concern for Chinese player Peng Shuai, who disappeared publicly for three weeks post claims a senior government figure of inappropriate behavior.

But the economic impact of the decision hit hard.

Leadership changed direction from the ethical position recently and returned events in China, then sought to fill the financial gap through selecting financially strong Middle Eastern country as venue for its season-ending Finals.

This decision to a country where women's rights have historically been restricted sparked debate, and with the Finals taking place in Riyadh again soon Middle Eastern participation faces examination.

Leadership approved a temporary arrangement with Saudi Arabia - offering unprecedented rewards of $15.5m (£12m) for the current season - indicating Camillo will be leading talks about subsequent arrangements after the current deal.

Middle Eastern funding further offers major support to the WTA's commitment achieving pay parity for shared Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events within three years and other premier events within the decade.

The possibility regarding integration financial operations together with ATP continues to be discussed, as both organizations apparently recognizing the need for greater alignment around broadcast, information and partnership agreements.

The existing separated structure regularly leaves supporters and backers confused and disillusioned.

Significantly, the management for both tours faced opposition in a lawsuit by athlete representatives, raising concerns about the tours for neglecting player welfare.

The WTA knows the clear benefit of collaborating with the richer ATP, yet the new chair aims to avoid the women's circuit being marginalized in key negotiations and marketing opportunities therefore.

Listening to concerns about scheduling and player burnout will also be among top priorities.

With her role meaning overseeing both athletes and events, it will be essential to listen to the needs of both parties and achieve compromise increasing income and player well-being creating that revenue.

Accelerating Development in Women's Sport Boom

Leadership changed hands from multiple roles recently - subsequent to tennis legend Martina Navratilova advocating for reform - and the transition of power concludes with installing fresh leadership.

This appointment can be seen to represent continued progress during a changing time within women's tennis, seeking to grow its presence within competitive sports media.

Camillo has the responsibility of elevating the reach across the tour and can draw inspiration from personal exposure of seeing how award-winning artist - via business enterprises and branded items combined with performing career to create global appeal - celebrated as an icon of marketing achievement.

In the sporting sphere, Camillo can apply her experience gained while leading commercial activities of the Philadelphia Flyers ice hockey team - notably upgrading their home arena into a world-class stadium - and being chief revenue officer for the baseball team sports entity.

The new leader's knowledge about marketing strategies within major leagues - particularly how they unlock supporter base development and secure funding using new ideas - regarded as a significant element for choosing her.

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

This is the moment in female athletics. Financial returns 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 involves securing the WTA and its leading stars - featuring Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek - take a significant slice of the pie.

"Our organization includes the most prominent female athletes globally and we are in an enviable position within the industry," leadership commented.

"Throughout female athletics, investment, audiences and media engagement expand significantly.

"Typically the difficulty facing female athletics requires creating visibility, attracting fans and eyeballs and attention," continued the new leader.

"Our situation varies somewhat - with over five decades of history, with substantial heritage, massive worldwide audience, and some of the most famous, top-compensated female athletes in the world."