Storgaard, the former marketing director of the Canadian Ski Association, had been in the position since 2009.

He is due to leave the CPC on January 18. 

No reasons were given for his decision.

A year after being appointed he oversaw Canada's best ever performance at a Winter Paralympics when they finished third overall, in their home Games in Vancouver, with a total of 19 medals, including 10 gold.

But at London 2012 they suffered their worst performance for 40 years when they finished only 20th in the medals table.

Their total of 31 medals, seven gold, left them a long way short of meeting their target of a place in the top eight. 

"The Canadian Paralympic Committee thanks Henry Storgaard for his accomplishments as CEO and Director General since 2009," said David Legg, President of the CPC.

"Henry has led the organisation towards great heights and the Paralympic community is very grateful for it.

"His leadership, passion and resilience in guiding CPC through the past Paralympic quadrennial has positioned it well for the future,"

Under Storgaard, the CPC moved from a $1 million deficit to an annual budget of $9.4 million and a $1.3 million reserve fund, including securing a legacy of $25 million over five years.

"I have enjoyed being part of a growing organisation filled with passionate and inspiring individuals," said Storgaard.

"I personally look forward to new opportunities and challenges within sport, but Paralympic athletes will always have a special place in my heart."

Legg will take over the day-to-day running of the CPC.

It is hoped to appointed a replacement for Storgaard by the end of April. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]