United Synagogue chief executive Jeremy Jacobs is stepping down after five years in the post.

Mr Jacobs said that although it had always been his intention to move on after five years, it was “a decision I have not taken lightly”.

A chartered accountant, he had previously served as an honorary treasurer of the organisation for six years and chaired its youth division, Tribe.

He said he could “step down in the knowledge that together with an outstanding professional team and inspirational rabbis, we have achieved a great deal in that period, not least with the development of Tribe and the Living and Learning teams.”

The installation of a new chief rabbi provided “a natural juncture for me to allow the next generation of leadership to step forward”.

US president Steve Pack was “saddened to receive Jeremy’s resignation. His dedication to and pride in the work of the United Synagogue has seen us take great strides in the last five years.” The organisation had become “much stronger for his involvement”.

Mr Jacobs would be working with the US to find an interim successor, Mr Pack added.