Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper has announced his intention to leave the organisation after this year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Hooper was appointed as the Federation's first full-time chief executive in 2000 having previously held the post of secretary general with the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
Hooper is credited with overseeing its development from a volunteer-based administration and establishing its first professional headquarters.
Hooper said: "We have been through a huge development phase, putting the CGF on a professional footing as a modern global sports organisation with a strong financial foundation and a series of exceptional host cities.
"I've enjoyed the job enormously. It has been hugely challenging at times, particularly in the lead-up to Delhi, but we persevered and, in the end, those Games were a success for the athletes.
"Manchester, Melbourne and Delhi have all added to the rich heritage of the Commonwealth Games and I'm sure Glasgow and the Gold Coast will do the same.
"But the timing is perfect for me to make a move. I sat down with the President and the Board, and we've put together a plan that sees me at the helm until Glasgow, and involved in ensuring a successful handover to the next CEO."
CGF president HRH Tunku Imran paid tribute to Hooper, saying: "After so many years as the driving force behind the CGF, Mike has recognised that the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader for the next phase of the CGF's development.
"We are fortunate to have had Mike serving us tirelessly for the past 13 years, and we are appreciative that he has agreed to stay on until the successful delivery of the Games in Glasgow and to facilitate a successful transition to the next chapter of our development."
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