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Every sports executive would say leading a major entity is far from a nine-to-five job.

Recently named Women's Tennis Association (WTA) chair Valerie Camillo knows about working around the clock through her career - such as her time as a board member for a tourism firm managing American celebrated artist Dolly Parton's entertainment venues.

In addition to her contributions regarding Parton's business interests, Camillo arrives at the leadership of women's tennis bringing extensive background throughout athletics and show business, previously occupying strategic positions at the National Basketball Association (NBA), major league hockey and Major League Baseball (MLB).

Camillo commences her new role at the WTA this November, succeeding the outgoing Steve Simon, whose 10-year tenure wraps up with his retirement.

Middle East Expansion, Pay Parity & Potential ATP Merger - Tackling Key Topics

When Camillo takes charge on 17 November, she takes over of several key issues previously handled by the former leader.

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

This action came to concern for Chinese player Peng Shuai, not seen publicly from public view for an extended period following allegations a top Chinese official of inappropriate behavior.

However the economic impact from this move proved substantial.

The organization reversed course from the ethical position recently and resumed operations to the Chinese market, afterward pursuing to plug the shortfall through selecting wealthy Gulf nation as the new host for the annual championship.

This decision to a nation regarding gender equality have historically been restricted was controversial, and with the Finals taking place returning to the Gulf soon Saudi involvement faces examination.

The WTA agreed a three-year deal with the Saudis - offering unprecedented rewards worth millions for the current season - meaning Camillo will be leading talks of what happens after the current deal.

Middle Eastern funding also provides major support for the tour's goal achieving pay parity at all combined Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events in the near future and additional significant competitions in coming years.

The potential for combining commercial assets alongside the men's tour is still being negotiated, since the tours seemingly understanding the necessity for coordination around broadcast, data and sponsorship deals.

The current fragmented landscape frequently results in supporters and backers perplexed and frustrated.

Significantly, the management for both tours was challenged in a lawsuit from the players' union, that has questioned the tours ignoring player welfare.

The WTA knows the obvious advantage of collaborating with the richer ATP, however the incoming leader seeks to prevent her tour being marginalized in key negotiations and marketing opportunities as a result.

Listening to concerns regarding calendar and player burnout will also be high on Camillo's agenda.

With her role meaning she leads both the players and tournaments, she will have to listen to the needs from all sides and achieve compromise growing finances and player well-being creating that revenue.

Accelerating Development in Women's Sport Boom

Leadership changed hands from combined positions last year - after 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova pushing for transformation - and the organizational shift is completed by the appointment of Camillo.

The new leadership indicates continued progress of a new era across the tour, one where the tour looks to increase its presence in a bustling sports entertainment market.

Camillo must focus on elevating the reach for the sport and could look to examples from her close-up experience of seeing how Grammy-winning Parton - via business enterprises and unique products complementing her musical talent building worldwide recognition - recognized as an icon of marketing achievement.

Within athletics, Camillo will utilize her background gained while leading the business operations with the hockey franchise professional squad - including transforming the team's stadium as top facility - and holding financial leadership with the MLB franchise professional organization.

Camillo's familiarity with the commercial sophistication across premier competitions - notably approaches to supporter base development and secure funding via creativity - regarded as a significant element in her selection.

Her move into women's tennis comes at "a moment of accelerated growth and opportunity"according to the organization.

This is the moment for women's sport. Financial returns throughout female athletics in the past year topped $1bn (£754m) and market researchers anticipate achieving $2.5bn (£1.8bn) by 2030.

The new leader's goal involves securing the organization and athletes - featuring Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek - secure substantial portion of the pie.

"The tour features top competitors internationally and we are in an enviable position within the industry," leadership commented.

"In women's competitions, investment, audiences and media engagement expand significantly.

"Typically obstacles for women's competitions is building awareness, gaining audience and engagement," added Camillo.

"The WTA faces distinct circumstances - with over five decades of history, with substantial heritage, a billion viewers globally, and including highly visible, best-rewarded players worldwide."