David Hornby, commercial director at Visit London, has left the tourism organisation following six years of service.

Hornby said: "The role at Visit London has afforded me much professional success and gratifying achievement and has provided me with some incredible experiences, including an amazing involvement with the London 2012 Bid and the opportunity to build and work with an amazing team.

"Now is an appropriate time for me to focus on some new challenges and opportunities, and I will be looking to work on a number of projects that both excite and inspire me, one of which will be working with AEG Europe."

Hornby relaunched London's Convention Bureau and spearheaded Visit London's first major events team - Events for London - which helped attract high-profile events to the capital, such as the NFL, UEFA Champions League Final 2011, World Badminton Championships 2011 and this year's first London Restaurant Festival.

Sally Chattergee, interim CEO at Visit London said of Hornby's departure: "David has made the decision to leave Visit London to focus on new challenges and opportunities. We would like to thank David for his hard work and contribution to the business and wish him every success for the future."

Welcoming Hornby, David Campbell, CEO of AEG Europe, added: "I am delighted to have David working with the team, providing strategic advice to AEG Europe on the future development of The O2's hotel and event facilities."