Valerie Camillo has been appointed following a sports administration career that spanned roles at the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Flyers and a Major League Baseball team.
Every sports executive will tell you running a global tour isn't just a nine-to-five job.
Recently named Women's Tennis Association (WTA) leader Valerie Camillo understands working around the clock in her previous roles - such as her time on the commercial board with a brand management group managing American celebrated artist Dolly Parton's tourist attractions.
In addition to her input regarding Parton's portfolio, Camillo steps into the top of women's tennis bringing extensive background in sports and media, with past roles in strategic positions at the National Basketball Association (NBA), major league hockey and Major League Baseball (MLB).
Camillo commences her leadership position at the WTA this November, succeeding the outgoing Steve Simon, who led for a decade wraps up as he steps down.
As Camillo takes charge later this month, she will inherit responsibility regarding major challenges left by her predecessor.
Simon drew praise recently after making a courageous moral stance in suspending WTA events throughout the Asian nation.
This action came following issues surrounding Chinese player Peng Shuai, who vanished in public for three weeks post claims a senior government figure of sexual assault.
But the financial consequences following the suspension proved substantial.
The organization reversed course from the ethical position recently and returned events in China, afterward pursuing to plug the shortfall by choosing cash-rich Saudi Arabia to host for the annual championship.
This decision to a region regarding gender equality were constrained sparked debate, and as the championship occurs in Riyadh again next week Middle Eastern participation faces examination.
Leadership approved a multi-year agreement with Saudi Arabia - providing unprecedented rewards worth millions currently - indicating Camillo will be leading talks of what happens after the current deal.
Middle Eastern funding also provides major support toward organizational aims to securing equal prize money at all combined Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events in the near future and all other major tournaments by 2033.
The prospect regarding integration business interests alongside the men's tour remains under consideration, since the tours seemingly understanding the necessity for coordination around broadcast, data and sponsorship deals.
The existing separated structure often causes fans and investors uncertain and disappointed.
Importantly, the management for both tours faced opposition in a lawsuit from the players' union, which has criticised the governing bodies for neglecting competitor needs.
The WTA knows the definite upside of partnering alongside the financially stronger ATP, yet the new chair aims to avoid her tour from losing its voice in decision-making processes and promotional activities as a result.
Considering issues about scheduling and athlete exhaustion will also be among top priorities.
Since her position requires she leads both the players and tournaments, she will have to consider the requirements from all sides and achieve compromise increasing income and player well-being whose talent generates it.
Simon relinquished his dual role from combined positions last year - subsequent to multiple major winner Martina Navratilova advocating for reform - and the leadership change concludes with the appointment of Camillo.
Her arrival indicates continued progress for a transformed period across the tour, seeking to grow its visibility amid growing athletic business.
Camillo must focus on expanding the audience across the tour and may find motivation from personal exposure of seeing how award-winning artist - with her 'Dollywood' theme park and branded items complementing her musical talent establishing international fame - recognized as an icon of marketing achievement.
In the sporting sphere, Camillo can apply her experience gained while leading the business operations for the NHL team sports organization - including transforming the team's stadium into a world-class stadium - and serving as revenue head of the Washington Nationals baseball side.
Her understanding with the commercial sophistication across premier competitions - specifically their methods for fan growth and secure funding using new ideas - is seen as an important factor for choosing her.
Her move into women's tennis coincides with "a moment of accelerated growth and opportunity"per official statements.
Currently represents across women's competitions. Income produced throughout female athletics recently topped $1bn (£754m) and market researchers anticipate achieving $2.5bn (£1.8bn) in the coming decade.
The new leader's goal requires guaranteeing the tour and top players - including Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek - secure substantial portion of the expanding market.
"Our organization includes top competitors globally and we are in an enviable position within the industry," the new chair stated.
"Across women's sports, investment, audiences and media engagement grow rapidly.
"Typically the challenge for women's sports involves establishing recognition, attracting fans and eyeballs and attention," continued the new leader.
"The WTA faces distinct circumstances - with over five decades of history, possessing remarkable tradition, extensive international reach, and among the most recognized, best-rewarded players in the world."
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