The 45-year-old, who has served as director of the Boat Race since December 2012, is set to take up the role on May 9.

She joins the CGF at what is described as a time of transformational change for the organisation, which places renewed emphasis on strategic collaborations with International Federations as part of a new sports programme for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban and beyond.

Morgan will work closely with host cities of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and alongside the CGF’s director of sport and International Federation relations, Matthew Curtain, to support the delivery of a fully compliant sports programme.

She previously worked at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London as rowing competition manager, as well as at the World Rowing Championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

"Having worked on a variety of multi-sport events and high profile single sport events, both for Organising Committees and International Federations, I can’t wait to bring my passion for sport - and focus on relationships and management - to this exciting new role," said Morgan.

"I’m delighted to be part of what I know will be a truly game-changing sporting movement across the Commonwealth and I look forward to being part of the team to develop and deliver the sporting ambitions of the CGF’s new strategic plan, Transformation 2022."

Morgan is considered a key figure behind the drive for equality in the Boat Race, which for the first time last year saw the women’s race take place alongside the men’s event.

"I am delighted that someone of Ann-Louise’s calibre and reputation is joining the CGF team at this vital stage in our journey to 2022," said CGF chief executive David Grevemberg.

"We look forward immensely to having her as part of a team which is committed to ensuring that athletes and sport are at the heart of everything we do - working closely with our partners, our host and bid cities, and our Sports Committee and Athletes Commission to engage and inspire all Commonwealth citizens through sport."

The Boat Race is one of the world’s oldest sporting events, watched by thousands along the River Thames in London and by millions more on television around the world.

Commenting on her departure, executive director of The Boat Race Company Limited, David Searle, said: "We are very sorry to bid farewell to Ann-Louise after four years with the Boat Race.

"She has successfully overseen a period of massive change including the arrival of the women's Boat Race on the Tideway and the appointment of Cancer Research UK as our title sponsor, a world-first.

"We shall miss her hugely but wish her every success at the Commonwealth Games Federation and in her future career."