Lazarus, appointed to the role in August 2013, has been involved with equestrian’s world governing body for six years.

She was previously senior director of partner development for NFL International in London before she took on the job of FEI General Counsel from May 2009.

From there, Lazarus went on to take the chief of business development and strategy role where she was tasked with overseeing a wide range of the FEI’s commercial activities, including partnerships, branding, licensing, broadcast media distribution and sales as well as merchandising.

“While I am of course very sad to say goodbye to my talented colleagues at the FEI, and to the FEI family as a whole, I am proud of the recent accomplishments that have been made in growing the value of the FEI’s media rights and partnerships,” Lazarus said.

"Equestrian sport offers so much to its partners with the unique bond between two athletes, human and horse, a demographically compelling fan base, and men and women competing as equals.”

FEI secretary general Sabrina Zeender hailed the impact Lazarus has had during her time with the organisation.

“Lisa Lazarus has made a huge contribution to the FEI over her six years with us,” she said.

“She has shared a wealth of expertise and knowledge, and built partnerships that have greatly enhanced the income streams of the FEI and helped to fund the ongoing development of the sport.

“We are now looking to build on this success, as equestrian sport experiences huge global growth and moves to the next level commercially.”

The FEI have appointed American-based global executive search firm Korn Ferry in order to find Lazarus’ replacement.