đŸ”— Share this article The Ways this Recently Appointed WTA Leader Can Leverage Dolly Parton & NBA Experience The new WTA chair has been appointed following a sports administration career which has included roles at the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Nationals. Every sports leader would say managing an organisation is never a nine-to-five job. Incoming Women's Tennis Association (WTA) president Valerie Camillo knows about dedicated effort from past positions - notably as a board member for a tourism firm that operates American celebrated artist Dolly Parton's entertainment venues. As well as her input into Parton's portfolio, Camillo takes over the leadership of women's tennis armed with deep knowledge across sport and entertainment, previously occupying senior leadership posts at the National Basketball Association (NBA), major league hockey and professional baseball. Camillo commences her new role at the WTA in the coming weeks, succeeding the veteran Steve Simon, who led for a decade concludes with his retirement. Saudi Future, Equal Prize Money & Potential ATP Merger - Confronting Key Topics As Camillo takes charge later this month, she takes over facing significant matters left by her predecessor. The previous chair was commended two years ago after making a principled decision through pausing WTA events in China. The move followed to concern for Chinese player Peng Shuai, who disappeared in public for three weeks post claims a senior government figure of inappropriate behavior. But the monetary fallout from this move were significant. Simon climbed down from the ethical position last year and returned events to China, subsequently looking to fill the financial gap through selecting cash-rich Saudi Arabia to host for the tour finale. The move to a country regarding gender equality have historically been restricted was controversial, and during the tournament returning to the Gulf soon the Gulf state's influence will come under more scrutiny. The WTA agreed a three-year deal with the Saudis - offering unprecedented rewards worth millions this year - indicating Camillo will be leading talks regarding future after the current deal. The Saudi investment additionally gives a significant boost for the tour's goal to securing equal prize money at all combined Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events within three years and all other major tournaments within the decade. The prospect of the WTA merging financial operations together with ATP continues to be discussed, since the tours apparently recognizing the necessity for coordination around broadcast, information and partnership agreements. The existing separated structure frequently results in audiences and sponsors confused and disillusioned. Notably, the leadership of the WTA and the ATP was challenged via court proceedings from the players' union, which has criticised the governing bodies for neglecting the interest of its stars. The organization recognizes the definite upside of partnering alongside the financially stronger ATP, yet the new chair aims to avoid her tour losing influence in decision-making processes and brand development consequently. Considering issues concerning tournament dates and athlete exhaustion is among top priorities. Given she leads overseeing both competitors and competitions, it will be essential to address the concerns of both parties and find equilibrium between driving revenue and the health of the stars producing those earnings. Unlocking Further Growth During Sports Renaissance Leadership changed hands from combined positions last year - subsequent to 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova pushing for transformation - and the transition of power finalizes through naming the new chair. The new leadership can be seen to represent further acceleration for a transformed period within women's tennis, aiming to expand its visibility in a bustling sports entertainment market. Camillo has the responsibility of elevating the reach for the sport and may find motivation from personal exposure of seeing how celebrated musician - through entertainment ventures and distinctive merchandise combined with performing career establishing international fame - celebrated as an icon of marketing achievement. Across sports business, Camillo can apply her background from heading organizational functions with the hockey franchise sports organization - notably upgrading the team's stadium to premier venue - and serving as revenue head of the Washington Nationals sports entity. The new leader's knowledge about marketing strategies of America's biggest sports - notably approaches to audience expansion and attract investment using new ideas - is seen as an important factor behind her appointment. The transition to women's tennis arrives during "a moment of accelerated growth and opportunity", says the WTA. This is the moment in female athletics. Revenue generated throughout female athletics recently exceeded one billion dollars and market researchers anticipate it will hit $2.5bn (£1.8bn) in the coming decade. Camillo's mission involves securing the WTA and its leading stars - including Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek - obtain meaningful share of the pie. "The tour features the most prominent female athletes in the world and we are in an enviable position within the industry," Camillo told. "Across women's sports, investment, audiences and media engagement are increasing exponentially. "For most part obstacles for women's competitions is building awareness, attracting fans and eyeballs and attention," continued the new leader. "Our situation varies somewhat - we've been at this for 50 years plus, possessing remarkable tradition, extensive international reach, and including highly visible, best-rewarded players in the world."