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Any sports leader would say leading an organisation is never standard office hours.

Incoming Women's Tennis Association (WTA) leader Valerie Camillo is familiar with long hours from past positions - notably as a board member for a tourism firm which runs American country music superstar Dolly Parton's tourist attractions.

As well as the expertise into Parton's business interests, Camillo steps into the helm at women's tennis with a wealth of experience in sports and media, having held senior leadership posts at the top professional basketball organization, the premier ice hockey competition and professional baseball.

Camillo starts her tenure at the WTA next month, taking over from the outgoing Steve Simon, whose 10-year tenure concludes as he steps down.

Middle East Expansion, Pay Parity & Men's Tour Integration - Addressing Key Topics

As Camillo takes charge on 17 November, she takes over of several key issues left by the former leader.

The previous chair was commended recently for what was widely seen as an ethical position by halting WTA events across China.

The move followed regarding worries about Chinese player Peng Shuai, who disappeared in public for an extended period post claims a top Chinese official of misconduct.

However the financial consequences from this move hit hard.

Leadership changed direction from the ethical position last year and returned events to China, then sought to fill the financial gap by choosing cash-rich Saudi Arabia to host for the annual championship.

The move to a country where women's rights faced limitations sparked debate, and as the championship occurs in Riyadh again imminently Middle Eastern participation will be analyzed.

The WTA agreed a temporary arrangement with the Gulf nation - who have provided historic payouts setting new standards for the current season - showing Camillo will be leading talks regarding future after the current deal.

Middle Eastern funding additionally gives major support for the tour's goal achieving pay parity during joint Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events in the near future and additional significant competitions within the decade.

The prospect regarding integration financial operations alongside the men's tour remains under consideration, with the two governing bodies seemingly understanding the importance of unification concerning television, data and sponsorship deals.

The existing separated structure frequently results in supporters and backers confused and disillusioned.

Notably, the management of professional tennis faced opposition in a lawsuit by athlete representatives, that has questioned the tours for neglecting the interest of its stars.

The WTA knows the clear benefit of collaborating with the richer ATP, yet the new chair aims to avoid her tour from losing its voice in decision-making processes and promotional activities as a result.

Addressing worries about scheduling and competitor fatigue will also be high on Camillo's agenda.

Since her position requires overseeing both competitors and competitions, she must address the concerns of both parties and find equilibrium growing finances and player well-being whose talent generates it.

Unlocking Further Growth Amstid Female Athletics surge

Simon relinquished his dual role from combined positions recently - which followed 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova leading calls for change - and the leadership change is completed by the appointment of Camillo.

This appointment signals continued progress of a new era for the WTA, aiming to expand its profile within competitive sports media.

Camillo must focus on elevating the reach across the tour and can draw inspiration from personal exposure of seeing how Grammy-winning Parton - with her 'Dollywood' theme park and branded items alongside artistic achievements building worldwide recognition - celebrated as a beacon of brand-building success.

In the sporting sphere, Camillo can apply her expertise through managing the business operations for the NHL team ice hockey team - including transforming their home arena into a world-class stadium - and being chief revenue officer of the Washington Nationals baseball side.

The new leader's knowledge regarding business complexity of America's biggest sports - notably approaches to audience expansion and attract investment using new ideas - regarded as a key reason in her selection.

Joining women's tennis coincides with "a moment of accelerated growth and opportunity"per official statements.

The time is now across women's competitions. Revenue generated across women's sport in the past year topped $1bn (£754m) and market researchers anticipate it will hit $2.5bn (£1.8bn) by 2030.

Her primary objective will be to ensure the organization and athletes - headed by Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek - secure substantial portion of the expanding market.

"Our organization includes the most prominent female athletes internationally and we are in an enviable position in women's sports," leadership commented.

"Throughout female athletics, funding, viewership and coverage expand significantly.

"Generally the challenge for women's sports involves establishing recognition, drawing supporters and viewership," continued the new leader.

"Our challenge is a little different - with over five decades of history, possessing remarkable tradition, extensive international reach, and including highly visible, best-rewarded players globally."