Steve Simon will relinquish his role as chief executive of the WTA Tour but will become executive chairman once his successor has been appointed.
Simon has been both chief executive and chairman since 2015, but the roles will be split to create "greater focus" on the WTA's goals.
His position has been under scrutiny since last month's season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun, where world number two Aryna Sabalenka said she felt "disrespected" by the way the event was organised.
The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova also said it might be time for new leadership.