The head of the High Performance Sport New Zealand, Alex Baumann has announced his resignation after five and a half years in the role.
The government funded organisation has an annual budget of over $60 million and leads the high performance system in New Zealand, funding and supporting top athletes.
The chair of HPSNZ Sir Paul Collins says Baumann, a double Olympic swimming gold medallist for Canada, has lifted the bar for high performance sport in New Zealand and built an organisation that is among the best in the world.
Sir Paul says the record 18 medals won in Rio, including four gold, is testament to that.
CEO of High Performance Sport NZ Alex Baumann (right) and Prince Harry take a tour of the AUT Millenium Institute in Auckland. Photo: Photosport
The 53 year old Baumann says his time in the role has been satisfying but he has decided to move to Australia to be closer to his children and extended family.
"New Zealand's high performance system is one of the best in the world and the potential for future success is great. HPSNZ is in a great shape and I am confident of the continued and sustained success through to Tokyo and beyond," says Mr Baumann.
A Canadian representative swimmer, Baumann's athletic achievements included two Olympic Gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, two world records and two World Male Swimmer of the Year titles.