Rod Street is to step down as chief executive of Great British Racing at the end of April after more than 14 years in the role.
Street leaves British's racing's promotional and marketing body only a few months after the sport launched Premier Racing, its new concept to attract new audiences and encourage investment.
His departure raises further questions about how Premier Racing will be promoted after criticism of what was last year described as the project's "hopelessly inadequate" marketing budget.
No successor to Street has been named and it is understood the Racecourse Association, Thoroughbred Group, and BHA are looking at GBR's leadership structure.
Street said it had been his privilege to work in horse racing, adding: "I enter my 31st year in the sport in May this year and that time has been split evenly between senior leadership roles—both at racecourses and at the center of the sport. The time feels right to do something new and it is my intention to launch a new venture in coaching and mentoring leaders of the future, which many people know is a passion of mine.
"I am very proud of the achievements of the team at GBR. Racing is significantly better promoted now than it was 15 years ago. Jockeys are developing into superb ambassadors for the sport, we produce content on an almost daily basis, and it is rare for a news opportunity or milestone to be missed."
Street cited Qipco British Champions Series and National Racehorse Week as "huge innovations" during his time in the post.
He added: "Looking to racing's future, this is a time of both challenge and opportunity. It is encouraging that the sport has come together to address declines in revenue and engagement. Racing is not alone—most sports outside football (soccer) face precisely the same challenge—and we are competing for customers' attention in a fiercely competitive environment.
"The principle of leading with our best quality products through Premier Racing is the right one. I remain optimistic for the sport because we have history, heritage, and a level of coverage that other sports would die for."
Street will continue to lead British Champions Series Limited, where he has been chief executive since 2011, until later in the year.
BHA chief executive Julie Harrington described Street as an "experienced, respected and much-loved individual in racing" and said he had been an "integral part" of the work on the industry's strategy.
She added: "In all, Rod has worked in racing for over 30 years so far and his contribution has been vast, both in terms of his professional achievements, and through the positive influence of his trademark optimism and vivacity."
GBR chairman Tony Langham said Street's departure was sad news for both GBR and racing more widely.
He added: "Since 2010 Rod has done a fantastic job leading GBR and promoting British racing. In racing's continually changing structures and strategies, Rod has built a team that does great work, whatever the situation, and this is a significant achievement. He will be sorely missed, although I'm hopeful that he has more roles in racing ahead of him.
"He's the nicest man in racing and one of the few people that has the sport's best interests at heart, rather than one particular segment of the sport."
