Derek Twine is to retire next spring after 16 years as chief executive of the Scout Association, he announced this morning.

Twine has been credited with helping to transform the Scout Association since his appointment in 1996, and in 2007 he was awarded CBE for services to young people.

The movement has seen seven consecutive years of growth, with membership in 2012 standing at 525,000 compared with 476,568 in 2002. Of this the number of 14 to 18-year-olds taking part has more than doubled, from 18,429 in 2002 to 38,804 in 2002. In this period female membership has also increased by 69 per cent, and more than 50 groups catering for Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities have opened.

Chairman Sir Alan Craft praised Twine's tenure, saying: “Derek has been an outstanding chief executive and his efforts have played a significant part in helping establish the strong position the movement finds itself in today. His dedication, vision and passion for scouting will be greatly missed, and he will be leaving with our warmest thanks and appreciation.”

Chief scout Bear Grylls added: “Derek’s commitment to scouting and to the young people in the movement has been an inspiration to me and I feel very fortunate to have been able to work closely with him during my time as chief scout.”

Twine first became involved with the Scouts in 1968 as a volunteer before being appointed as director of venture Scout training in 1976.

He is involved with the international Scout movement and in the wider UK charity sector by supporting the National Youth Agency, National Council for Voluntary Youth Services, National Trust and Acevo. He is also a trustee and vice-chair of the Church Urban Fund.

The Scout Association will begin the recruitment process for a new chief executive next week.