The New Zealander had been appointed as the CGF's first full-time chief executive in 2000 and since overseen Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Melbourne and New Delhi. 

"After so many years as the driving force behind the CGF, Mike has recognised that the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader for the next phase of the CGF's development." said Prince Tunku Imran, President of the CGF.

"We are fortunate to have had Mike serving us tirelessly for the past 13 years, and we are appreciative that he has agreed to stay on until the successful delivery of the Games in Glasgow and to facilitate a successful transition to the next chapter of our development.

"Mike has not only made a tremendous contribution to the Games and the CGF, but also to the strengthening of sport within the Commonwealth.

"We will now instigate a world-wide search for a new CEO.

"It is great timing for a new CEO to come in and build on Mike's legacy."

Commonwealth Games Federation President Prince Tunku Imran (right) has paid tribute to Mike Hooper (left), who is stepping down as chief executive after Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

Hooper's decision to step down follows last week's CGF Extraordinary General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur where the future of the organisation was widely discussed, including the relocation of the headquarters from London.

Hooper had joined the CGF from the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), where he had been secretary general, and was the driving force behind the establishment of the organisation's first professional headquarters. 

An earlier proposal to relocate the headquarters to the Malaysian capital appears to have been shelved in the short-time and the CGF is expected to temporarily move to Scotland when the lease on its current officers in Piccadilly runs out. 

"We have been through a huge development phase, putting the CGF on a professional footing as a modern global sports organisation with a strong financial foundation and a series of exceptional host cities," he said. 

Mike Hooper found himself a hate figure in the build-up to the controversy-plagued 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi ©AFP/Getty Images

Hooper found himself at the centre of controversy four years ago during the build-up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, the first time they had been held in India. 

He was parachuted into India in the final few months to work there full-time as the Games was riddled with allegations of corruption, building delays and terrorism fears. 

"I've enjoyed the job enormously," said Hooper. 

"It has been hugely challenging at times, particularly in the lead-up to Delhi, but we persevered and, in the end, those Games were a success for the athletes.

"Manchester, Melbourne and Delhi have all added to the rich heritage of the Commonwealth Games and I'm sure Glasgow and the Gold Coast will do the same.

"But the timing is perfect for me to make a move.

"I sat down with the President and the Board, and we've put together a plan that sees me at the helm until Glasgow, and involved in ensuring a successful handover to the next CEO.

"I've made many friends, had tremendous support from both Presidents under whom I have served, Mike Fennell and Tunku Imran, and had a great working relationship with our boards and committees.

"This year's Games in Glasgow are set to be great Games and the CGF is well placed going forward. 

"It has been an honor to serve one of the enduring institutions of world sport."

David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, praised Hooper's contribution in the build-up to their Games.

"Mike Hooper has played a central role throughout this journey and the positive place we are in now is testament to his leadership and passion for the Commonwealth Games movement," he said. 

"We look forward to working with him and his team towards a successful Glasgow 2014 and wish him well for the future."

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