Commented the former chief: "I came into this post in 1999 and the organisation has undergone radical and far-reaching changes during the last four years. We have established the culture of high performance sport with funding in place for our sportsmen and women up to Athens, we have attracted and successfully staged over 70 sports events in the UK, initiated a modernisation programme for national governing bodies of sport, and seen the establishment of a Sports Institute network across the UK.
"I am particular pleased that the Government has seen fit to invest more funding into UK Sport programmes and I am heartened that we have continued to develop our world class anti-doping programme."
Added Sue Campbell, interim reform Chair of UK Sport: "Richard has made a significant contribution to the development of UK Sport and to sport in the UK. It is sad to see Richard leave but we have agreed that if he is to leave then this is an appropriate point before the countdown to Athens begins in earnest next year.
"All of us involved in UK Sport would like to take the opportunity of thanking him for all he has done and for the integrity, honesty and energy he has brought to his role."
Liz Nicholl, UK Sport’s director of performance, will take over as acting chief executive until a new appointment is made, through full and open recruitment, in the New Year.
After four years as chief executive of funding body UK Sport, Richard Callicott has announced his intention to stand down with immediate effect.
