VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe has confirmed she is stepping down after five years in charge.

Dawe, who has been with the organisation for 20 years, said earlier she will leave this summer to pursue other opportunities, including non-executive roles.

She said: “These past five years have been the best and most satisfying of my career.

“To have been chief executive of the national tourist board during the hosting of the Olympics has been an enormous privilege.

‘The timing is good, however, as I can leave on a high note, with VisitBritain’s reputation strong, extra funds for GREAT committed, and tourism numbers at record levels.

“Our new chief executive will inherit a high-performing organisation under a strong and experienced senior management team.

‘The future will present many challenges and opportunities, including next year a general election and a Comprehensive Spending Review.

“However, with long-term commercial partnerships in place, support for GREAT secure to 2016 and endorsement of the Britain 2020 Golden Legacy strategy, our future course is set fair.”