But he has now announced that he will now be retiring so that the organisation can take a new approach to reach its full potential.

"I'm immensely proud of the work Sport Wales has undertaken over the last 15 years to develop sport in Wales," he said.

"In order to allow the organisation to reach its full potential I recognise that Sport Wales needs fresh leadership, with new ideas and a new approach.

"As we enter a period of change, I am wholly confident in the collective strengths of my senior management colleagues, the chair and our Board to lead the organisation to the next level.

"This is an exciting time for Sport Wales and I look forward to seeing the great strides the organisation will no doubt make in the future."


Jones is set to remain in post until the summer with Sport Wales now beginning the process of looking for his replacement.

"We are making a change to our leadership from a position of real strength and it is with enormous credit to Huw that he has decided that now is the time for him to retire," said Sport Wales chair Professor Laura McAllister.

"A change of chief executive offers an exciting opportunity to drive forward our vision for sport in Wales.

"Sport Wales continues to be committed to the delivery of our key strategies and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Huw's huge contribution over the last 15 years in the role of chief executive."

The Welsh Sports Minister Huw Lewis has also paid tribute to the contribution Jones has made leading Sport Wales.

"I would like to thank Huw for all his hard work as chief executive of Sport Wales over the last 15 years," said Lewis.

"Following a wonderful year for Welsh sport in 2012, he is bowing out at a high point for Sport Wales and I am confident the colleagues he leaves behind will continue the excellent work they do in supporting and promoting grass roots and elite sport in Wales."

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