Charlie Bray has resigned from his role as president and CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Bray will leave the organization on 3 December and, according to IAAPA, will take up an "exceptional opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area".

Bray's resignation comes just weeks before the association's annual conference.

IAAPA chair Chip Cleary said: "IAAPA has made tremendous progress under Charlie's leadership.

"IAAPA has realized its goal of operating globally - we now have offices in Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. We could not have done this without Charlie's vision and guidance."

Bray was hired as IAAPA's chief financial officer in June 2004 and appointed president and CEO in February 2006.

The IAAPA executive committee will define and lead the search process for Bray's replacement.