Michael Downey has tendered his resignation as chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association after three years in the role.
The Canadian, who will serve out six months' notice, is to return to his previous role as chief executive of Tennis Canada.
Downey, whose two sons live in Canada, cited his desire to return home as the driving force behind his departure, which came as a shock to staff at the LTA's Roehampton base.
He said: "I've been honoured to have led the LTA over the last three years, as we've sought to drive grass-roots tennis.
"While the opportunity for me to return to Tennis Canada coincided with my personal desire to return to my home country, I am hugely proud of the foundations the team at the LTA have laid in order to turn participation in Britain's beloved sport around.
"It's an exciting time for tennis in this country and I look forward to the next six months, maintaining the momentum we've built in our continued mission to get more people playing tennis, more often."
Source: PA
