British Gymnastics President Alan Sommerville has announced his retirement ©British Gymnastics

British Gymnastics President Alan Sommerville has announced his retirement from his position with immediate effect following three years in the role.

Sommerville, awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008 for his services to sport, was the chief executive of the organisation from 2007 to 2007 before he became chairman between 2008 and 2013.

He was then appointed as President of British Gymnastics, where he oversaw one of the most successful periods for the body, culminating in last year’s Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Glasgow.

It proved to be a record-breaking event for Britain's gymnasts on home soil in the Scottish city as Max Whitlock became Britain’s first-ever male individual world champion with a gold medal on the pommel horse.

He also claimed the silver medal in the floor final.

Britain clinched women’s team all-around bronze, while the men were denied the title by Japan as they earned silver.

Max Whitlock became Britain's first-ever individual world champion with a gold medal on the pommel horse at Glasgow 2015, perhaps the highpoint of Alan Sommerville's time as President ©Getty Images
Max Whitlock became Britain's first-ever individual world champion with a gold medal on the pommel horse at Glasgow 2015, perhaps the highpoint of Alan Sommerville's time as President ©Getty Images

“The end of Alan’s Presidency marks the end of an era for our association,” British Gymnastics chief executive Jane Allen said.

“During his involvement with British Gymnastics, in a myriad of roles and offices over many years, Alan has helped drive our sport to become a sport enjoyed by hundreds and thousands around the UK and to deliver on the international stage, with our elite gymnasts being some of the very best in the world today.

“On a personal level, I have enjoyed working with Alan over the past six years.

“I know all those involved in British Gymnastics would like to wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Sommerville had a strong involvement in the sport from as early as the 1960s and helped organise gymnastics displays around the country in a bid to increase participation.

He became a director of British Gymnastics in 1997 before he was named as the first-ever chief executive of the organisation three years later, where he was tasked with growing gymnastics in Britain.

Following seven years in the position, Sommerville then served as chairman for five years, with Matt Neville taking up the role when Sommerville was elected President in 2013.

insidethegames has contacted British Gymnastics to find out who will be replacing Sommerville.