Steven Ward will step down from his role as ukactive CEO in April 2019, after more than 12 years with the organisation.

Ward is leaving to take up a role as chief transformation officer at Spanish fitness operator Ingesport, owner of the GoFit brand.

He first joined ukactive in 2006 as a policy intern, before rising through the ranks and taking a leadership position as executive director in 2015. He was named CEO in May 2017.

During his tenure, Ward helped position ukactive as a driving force behind public health policy and oversaw the publication of Blueprint for an Active Britain in 2015. He was also instrumental in establishing ActiveLab, the world’s first start-up accelerator programme for emerging fit-tech companies tackling physical inactivity.

The ukactive Board will now begin the process to appoint a new CEO and interim arrangements will be "confirmed shortly".

“It has been an honour and a pleasure to lead ukactive for the past four years," Ward said.

"I'm proud of the progress we've made; from the development of a world-class board to forming a uniquely talented team, and developing innovative ways to add value to our members and partners.

“During this year’s planning process, it has become clearer than ever that we are entering the next phase of our development, and after an incredible journey now is the time for me to take on a new challenge elsewhere and for new leadership to take ukactive to the next level.

“I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to all our members, partners and colleagues who have made this such a unique part of my life. I will always wear the ukactive badge and pursue its mission with pride.”

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, ukactive chair, added: "I would like to thank him on behalf of all our members, partners and staff, for the outstanding commitment and leadership he has shown in establishing ukactive as the can-do organisation for improving our nation’s health.

“His story is one that should inspire us all; showing how ukactive has grown a leader all the way from intern to CEO.

“Steven’s energy and passion for the physical activity agenda – and the members ukactive is here to serve – have helped to drive change within our sector, and he will leave the organisation in great shape as we enter the next phase in our growth.

“He has built an excellent team, with the full backing of the Board, Councils and major members, and we look forward to the next chapter in our urgent mission to get more people more active more often.”