Richard Leaman is to step down as chief executive of the sail training charity Tall Ships Youth Trust after four years in the role.
Leaman, who joined the charity after six years in the top job at Guide Dogs, said the time was right for him to move on.
Tall Ships Youth Trust said that under Leaman’s leadership, the charity had gone from an ongoing deficit to three years of operating surpluses.
He will leave on 14 August to focus on “new commercial and charitable activities”, according to the charity.
“I will be very sad to leave this amazing charity, but in every chief executive’s tenure, the time comes when it’s right for [them], and the organisation, to move on,” he said.
“That time has arrived, and I will look back on my brilliant office and sailing staff, and our life-changing work, with much fondness.”
David Aisher, chair of Tall Ships Youth Trust, said: “Richard has carried out his duties with commitment and passion and played a key role during his time at the helm. Many young people owe him a great deal.”
The charity said it had begun the process of recruiting Leaman’s successor.