The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Tuesday that chairman and chief executive officer Stacey Allaster will step down on Oct 2.

The outgoing chief said in a press statement that she wanted to spend more time with her family after dedicating 25 years to the sport.

Allaster joined the WTA in 2006 as president, and was promoted to her current posts in 2009. She played a key role in ensuring equal prize money for women tennis players at six WTA events and all four Grand Slams.

Said Allaster: "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."

WTA founder Billie Jean King called Allaster an "exemplary role model". The former world No. 1 added: "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."

WTA board member Lisa Grattan said the "process to hire a new CEO is under way".