Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson is to step down this summer.
Dodson was appointed in 2011 and was contracted until summer 2025.
However, the union says that as part of its 10-year strategy, Dodson felt “the time was right to step aside early”.
“Given I wasn’t going to be in post to see it delivered beyond 2025 I think it’s right and appropriate to give space for the new CEO to come in and take that important work forward,” Dodson said.
“With several key organisational elements now in place such as the new governance structure becoming operational, working closely with the new Scottish Rugby Limited board chair John McGuigan and our national and professional teams settled, I felt it was only right to make my intentions known.”
Dodson, previously of Guardian Media Group, represents Scotland on the boards of the British and Irish Lions, Six Nations, United Rugby Championship, World Rugby Council and the general assembly of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).
McGuigan said: “Mark has given over a decade of his career to Scottish Rugby so it is understandable that this was a significant decision.
“It will though enable us to progress the recruitment for the new performance director and his own successor as chief executive in an open and transparent manner and for that I’d like to thank him.
“Mark has made a significant contribution to Scottish Rugby during his tenure including navigating the Covid pandemic.”