Sport England has announced that chief executive, Roger Draper will be stepping down to join the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as chief executive.

Draper joined Sport England in 2002 as chief operating officer, before being appointed chief executive in 2003, and oversaw a substantial modernisation programme, which included the streamlining of the organisation and a greater focus on community and grassroots sport.

Sport England chair, Patrick Carter, paid tribute to Draper's contribution: "Under his leadership, Sport England has made considerable progress including the setting up of our regional structure and working with the National Governing Bodies to modernise and improve performance."

Draper said: "It has been a fantastic four years in one of the most exciting jobs in sport. I would like to thank all the people at Sport England for their support over the years and I look forward to continuing to work with the organisation in my new position at the LTA."

Draper gained international honours in tennis while at Loughborough University, and worked for the LTA as director of development prior to joining Sport England.

Draper will replace John Crowther – who has held the position since 1997 – from 1 April. The appointment has raised questions from certain quarters, as the recruitment process was not advertised, but the LTA said it had consulted the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and that the appointment was 'transparent'.