High performance sport organisation, the Irish Institute of Sport, will be on the hunt for a new sports director when Gary Keegan steps down in September.

Keegan – who took up the role shortly after the 2008 Beijing Olympics – is leaving to set up his own “high performance support offering for the world of business”.

Sport Ireland chair Kieran Mulvey said that Keegan had “played a pivotal role in the transformation of high performance sport in Ireland”. During his tenure Ireland won six medals at the London 2012 Olympics – double the three the nation achieved in Beijing four years earlier.

Earlier this year, the Institute moved into the new High Performance Centre in Dublin, which cost more than €4m (£3.4m, US$4.4m) to build and kit out.

John Treacy, Sport Ireland chief executive, said the “world-class facility” was the “product of the planning, dedication and vision Gary has displayed throughout his time at the helm”.

“It will leave a legacy that will impact on our performance on the world stage for many years to come,” he added.

Keegan added: “Prior to my departure after the Paralympic Games, I will be working closely with Sport Ireland to achieve a successful handover to a new leader. In the interim my immediate focus is to continue to provide every necessary support to Team Ireland at the 2016 Games.”

Keegan’s departure comes at a promising time for Irish sport, following the launch of a new 10-year strategy and millions of euros of investment being pledged by the Irish government.