OHL commissioner David Branch will retire after the upcoming 2023-24 season, the league announced Thursday.
Branch has held the role since the founding of the OHL, a stretch of 44 years.
"It has been a pleasure to work alongside some of the most outstanding people in the game, both on and off the ice, locally, nationally and internationally. I have also had the chance to witness first-hand how our great game continues to evolve and improve," Branch said in a statement.
"It has been an honour to serve in this capacity, and I am very thankful for the great deal of support I have received and the tremendous, life-long friendships I have made along the way."
In addition to serving as OHL commissioner, Branch was also president of the Canadian Hockey League from 1996 to 2019. He was named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2016 and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee.
Craig Goslin, chair of the OHL's Board of Governors, said in a statement that a Commissioner Search Committee has been established and that more information would be made available following next week's annual general meeting.
