The American had led the organisation for 12 months, during which time he put in place the planning and organisational structures required to deliver the Games, which is expected to attract more than 6,000 athletes from 49 countries competing in 19 sports. 

His replacement will be Clegg, the former chief executive of the British Olympic Association (BOA), who had been a special advisor to Baku 2015. 

Scherr plans to return home to  concentrate on 776 Marketing, the events and marketing company he set up after leaving he United States Olympic Committee in 2009 after nine years as chief executive.

"I'm in no doubt that I leave the organisation in a fantastic position to deliver a successful European Games in Baku next summer," said Scherr, whose decision to leave coincided with the annual Congress of the International Sports Press Association, which officially started here today. 

"After another positive update at the recent Coordination Commission, I feel it is the right time to return to the United States."

Scherr had joined Baku 2015 from the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, where he had been the Commissioner.

He has overseen a hectic 12 months after Baku 2015 had been chosen in December 2012 to host the first event which had long been an ambition of European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Patrick Hickey. 

European Olympic Committees President Patrick Hickey (centre) is among those to have paid tribute to the work of Jim Scherr (left) at Baku 2015 ©Baku 2015

"We are all incredibly grateful for Jim's leadership during his time as chief operating officer of Baku 2015 European Games," said Hickey. 

"His endeavour has put the Games in a position to meet the EOC's vision to create an innovative and athlete focused Games built on a sustainable model.

"We wish him the best of luck for the future."

Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports and chief executive of Baku 2015, also praised the contribution of Scherr. 

"I want to thank Jim for the expertise, passion and leadership he has shown during his time in Baku," he said 

"With his guidance, we have made great progress and he has played an integral role in helping to shape the First European Games.

"We now look forward to the next stage of our preparations as we look to put on a spectacular inaugural European Games next year."

Former BOA and Ipswich Town chief executive Simon Clegg is confident that Baku 2015 will be a huge success after taking over as chief operating officer ©Getty Images

Clegg had been appointed as a consultant to Baku 2015 by the EOC last August and is already closely involved with the project.

The Briton is due to take up his new position here on Wednesday (April 30).

"I am flattered to have been invited by the Minister of Youth and Sport to take up this new role within the Operating Committee," said Clegg, who was also formerly chief executive of English football club Ipswich Town. 

"There is an outstanding existing team within Baku 2015 many of whom I have worked with over the last nine months and I know that together we can deliver an event which the Azerbaijani people, the European Olympic Family and most importantly the athletes of Europe can be proud of.

"Any inaugural event creates exciting opportunity to establish something different and our desire is to establish the European Games in Baku at the forefront of continental sporting events around the globe."

Clegg's previous experience includes managing Team GB athletes at 12 Olympic and Olympic Winter Games and working as chief executive of the 1995 European Youth Olympic Festival in Bath.

He was also closely involved in London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

"I am delighted that Simon has agreed to take up this new role," said Rahimov.

"He has the right skill set and experience to lead the organisation as we move from a planning phase into operational delivery mode with just 14 months until the Opening Ceremony.

"We have enjoyed a close working relationship over the last nine months when he has been representing the European Olympic Committees and I have every confidence that together we will deliver a magnificent event for the best athletes in Europe."