Although no exact date for his departure has been set, he will leave some time following the conclusion of this year's International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Equestrian Games in Normandy after eleven years in the position.

Connell admitted it was a hard decision to leave the British set up.

"Being part of the journey over the last 11 years has been an honour and a privilege; London 2012 was of course the highlight but there have been many others in terms of what the programme, the riders, the horses, the owners, the staff and all those who support them have achieved," he added.

"I believe the programme is in a very good shape and success in Rio 2016 for the British equestrian teams is well mapped out.

"The support we enjoy from UK Sport, the BOA [British Olympic Association] and BPA [British Paralympic Association] is second to none and I will miss working with them.

"I wish all involved with the programme and Team GBR the very best for the future: I am and always will be British but I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of me as I take up my new role as director of sport for the United States Equestrian Federation.

"My immediate focus and aim is to do all I can to help Equestrian Team GBR meet its UK Sport targets and deliver medals at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014."

While at the BEF, Connell - a former Commanding Officer of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery - has been responsible for managing the delivery of the UK Sport National Lottery-funded World Class Programme across the disciplines of eventing, dressage, showjumping and Para-equestrian dressage.

He was also equestrian team leader at the Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games and Chef de Mission at the 2006 and 2010 World Equestrian Games.

He was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list in recognition of his services to equestrian sport in 2012.

"Will Connell has been an outstanding performance director; he has worked day and night for the cause," BEF chief executive Andrew Finding said.

"We will miss him and wish him well in his new challenge."

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