Jacobi, a canoe slalom gold medallist at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, has held the post for five years, presiding over a move from the body's old base at Charlotte, North Carolina to new headquarters in Oklahoma City.

Bob Lally, chairman of the organisation's Board of Directors, said the transition came "at a time when USA Canoe/Kayak has a coordinated and seasoned staff, a strong and diverse board of directors and our enterprise is exceptionally well positioned strategically".

"I have full faith the candidate we select will be well qualified, have a demonstrated track record of success and will lead USA Canoe/Kayak to continued growth and development," Lally added.

Jacobi - whose medal, along with Scott Strausbaugh in the men's C-2 slalom, is the last Olympic canoeing gold achieved by the United States - said his goal was "not to leave, but to create space in order to contribute more to national and international paddlesports objectives".

There were, he said, "important calls to both my personal life and professional endeavours...I am excited to pursue, including projects and initiatives that directly and indirectly support USA Canoe/Kayak's mission".

Besides governing the Olympic disciplines of sprint and slalom canoeing, and the Paralympic discipline of Paracanoe, USA Canoe/Kayak sanctions a number of other activities in the US including dragon boat, kayak polo and canoe sailing.