The Football Association general secretary, Alex Horne, has announced he is to leave the organisation at the end of January.

Horne joined the FA in 2004 as finance director and, in 2006, was appointed Wembley Stadium’s managing director.

He became the FA’s chief operating officer in July 2008 and was a leading figure in the St George’s Park National Football Centre development. Horne took up his current post in 2010.

“After 11 fantastic years I have decided to look for a change of direction and I will be leaving the FA at the end of January,” he said.

In an FA statement, Horne said: “I am incredibly proud to have worked for The FA for over a decade in many differing roles. It’s been a privilege to have played my part in the financing, build and opening of Wembley Stadium and the National Football Centre at St. George’s Park, both of which will provide a huge benefit for the game.

“More importantly, it’s been a pleasure to work alongside so many devoted and talented people within The FA who are passionate about developing and improving football across the country at all levels.

“This is probably the toughest decision I have made during my career. But after 11 fantastic years at The FA, I have decided to move on.

“At the age of 42, the time is right for me to look for a change of direction and I will be leaving the organisation at the end of January next year.”

The FA chairman, Greg Dyke, said: “On behalf of the board and the staff at the FA, I would like to thank Alex for his dedicated leadership in a variety of roles over the last decade. I will now work with the board on finding his successor.”