The Spaniard served on the ITF Board of Directors from 1991 until 2015 and was ITF executive vice-president for 17 years from 1998 to 2015.

He will officially step down from September 30 but will continue in a consultancy position in a bid to ensure a smooth transition for the next chief operating officer of the world governing body, who is due to be named at a later date.

Margets oversaw the implementation of several key changes to world tennis as he was behind the decision to establish rankings for Davis Cup and Fed Cup nations.

He was also responsible for the expansion of the Fed Cup, the Davis Cup equivalent for women, from two to three weeks and the creation of the court pace rating rule, which excluded extreme surfaces in the ITF’s two main team competitions.

“It has been a privilege for me for over 25 years to be part of the ITF family, first as a member of the ITF Board of Directors and then in my senior management position in London,” said Margets.

“I have served under three Presidents, Brian Tobin, Francesco Ricci Bitti and now Dave Haggerty, and the experience with each has been very rewarding.

“I will always remember the pleasure of working with my ITF team at Davis Cup and Fed Cup events and, of course, the Olympic Games.”

Margets will still have a key role to play as general secretary during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, with tennis events scheduled to take place at the Olympic Tennis Centre from August 6 to 14.

ITF President David Haggerty, elected as the new head of the governing body in September of last year, said the Spaniard has been a vital part of tennis’ development during his time with the organisation.

“Juan has played a very important role in the ITF for many years in both his management position and his chairmanship of key committees,” Haggerty said.

“His knowledge and experience have been very helpful in my transition as ITF President and his dedication, friendship and loyalty have been much appreciated.

“His contributions over the 18 years he has worked at the ITF plus the many years he served on the Board prior to joining full-time are too many to list.

“He is both respected and well-liked by the staff, our national and regional associations and our Board.

“We wish both Juan and his wife Paloma the best for the future and we hope to see them often in the coming years.”