FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2013, file photo, WTA Chairwoman and CEO Stacey Allaster speaks at a tennis news conference at the WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, Turkey. The Women's Tennis Association announced Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, that Allaster will be leaving next month. Her departure takes effect Oct. 2. The governing body said its board is leading a search for a successor. (AP Photo/File) (The Associated Press)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Women's Tennis Association says Stacey Allaster is leaving next month as chief executive.
Her departure takes effect Oct. 2. The governing body said Tuesday its board is leading a search for a successor. No timetable was announced for filling the job.
Allaster cites a change in priorities, calling the 2013 death of brother-in-law and ATP CEO Brad Drewett a "personal wake-up call."
She joined the WTA in 2006 as its president and in 2009 was promoted to chair and CEO. The 52-year-old Canadian says in a statement it has been a "privilege to lead the organization that Billie Jean King founded." King calls her a "visionary leader for tennis this past decade."
Allaster was instrumental in securing equal prize money for women at six WTA tournaments and all four Grand Slams. She also played a key role in streamlining the WTA calendar and securing a landmark international media agreement.
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