Ann Hogbin, chief executive of Commonwealth Games England (CGE), will be leaving the organisation at the end of this year after nearly 20 years of highly regarded service.
The move follows the CGE's new strategy for the years leading up to the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which has seen the roles of chief executive, sports director and commercial director being advertised.
"This is of course with some trepidation and regret as, over the last 20 years, I have been pleased to be part of the team leading the England team through a number of different Games, including the successful campaign in Delhi 2010," said Hogbin, who set up a separate office for England within the Commonwealth Games structure in 1994.
"I hope to stay involved with sport and look forward to seeing the team's further success in Glasgow 2014.
"One option I am actively considering is setting up in consultancy.
"In the meantime, until the end of the year, when my final departure takes place, I will continue to work with CGE across the summer to deliver the Commonwealth Youth Games [in the Isle of Man] in September and to ensure a smooth handover to the new CGE team in the Autumn."
Sir Andrew Foster, chairman of CGE said: "I would like to thank Ann for all of her dedicated work at CGE over such a long and ever-changing period of time.
"Most recently, she was part of the team which oversaw our significant success in Delhi 2010 and we look forward to building on this as Glasgow approaches.
"We wish her all the very best for the future."
Hogbin, who was heavily involved in the planning of the England arrangements in Delhi during the challenging circumstances before the Games got underway last October, had a wealth of experience upon which to draw.
Delhi was the 10th Commonwealth Games with which she had been involved since entering the field of sports administration in 1972 when she got a secretarial job at the British Olympic Association.
She has also worked on nine Olympic Games, and was appointed first woman general team manager of Team England in 1994.
Four years later, Hogbin had to overcome what she described as "cultural issues" when the Games were in Kuala Lumpur.
"The Organising Committee wasn't used to dealing with women in positions of responsibility," she said.
"But once they did get to know me, we had good relationships."
Hogbin has described her management styles as "open and relaxed" – a view corroborated by the man who carried out the role as the CGE's Chef de Mission at the Delhi 2010 Games, Craig Hunter.
"Anybody - whether athlete or official - who has ever crossed paths with Ann will only have fond memories of working with her," Hunter said.
"She has worked tirelessly and with dedication, and always has the best interests of the athletes at the forefront of her mind, whatever event she is involved with.
"It has always been a huge amount of fun working with her."
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STATEMENT BY SIR ANDREW FOSTER and ANN HOGBIN, CBE
As a result of the CGE’s new strategy for 2011 to 2014 Ann Hogbin CBE, CEO, will be moving on after 20 years service. Ann Hogbin said " This is of course with some trepidation and regret as, over the last 20 years, I have been pleased to be part of the team leading the England Team through a number of different Games, including the successful campaign in Delhi 2010. I hope to stay involved with sport and look forward to seeing the Team’s further success in Glasgow 2014. One option I am actively considering is setting up in consultancy. In the meantime, until the end of the year, when my final departure takes place, I will continue to work with CGE across the summer to deliver the Commonwealth Youth Games in September and to ensure a smooth handover to the new CGE team in the Autumn.”
Sir Andrew Foster, Chairman of CGE said: “I would like to thank Ann for all of her dedicated work at CGE over such a long and ever-changing period of time. Most recently, she was part of the team which oversaw our significant success in Delhi 2010 and we look forward to building on this as Glasgow approaches. We wish her all the very best for the future.”