ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- 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.