WTA Ceo & Chair Set To Step Down

22 Sep 2015 | tshego

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The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced that Stacey Allaster will step down as chair and chief executive of the organisation, effective from October.

Allaster, who became WTA president in January 2006 before becoming chair and chief executive in July 2009, has overseen the continuing development of the most successful commercial era in women’s tennis history.

The process to find a new chief executive is already underway.

Allaster commented: “It’s been a privilege to lead the organisation that Billie Jean King founded and to have worked with the world’s best female athletes, dedicated tournament promoters and passionate and professional WTA team members. For 25 years I have dedicated my professional life to the sport and I’m proud of the work I leave behind.

“But the recent loss of my brother-in-law and the ATP’s CEO, Brad Drewett, has provided a personal wake-up call about life, family and priorities and it is time for me to shift some time and energy that way. When I joined the WTA my goal was to leave the organisation on a stronger footing and I feel a humble sense of pride in what we have all accomplished here. I have focused on what it means to be a champion and I have tried to be a strong role model for women to encourage success in the sports industry.”

Drewett, who led the men’s ATP World Tour, died in May 2013 at the age of 54 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.

WTA founder Billie Jean King added: “Stacey has been a visionary leader for tennis this past decade. She brought positive fundamental change while serving as an exemplary role model, and she executed our biggest and best financial strategies during a very difficult economy.

“Stacey performed her job with tenacity and heart which is what is required for transformational change.”

Allaster has been an advocate for women and was instrumental in securing equal prize money for female tennis players at six WTA events and all four Grand Slams.

She also played an integral role in the development of the Roadmap, the WTA’s long-term plan that streamlined the calendar to enhance the overall health of the players while delivering top players on a more consistent basis to fans and tournaments. Since the introduction of the Roadmap, prize money has increased 100%.