Yokohama F.Marinos have announced that Akira Kaetsu will be stepping down from his post as club president this Thursday.

The official has helmed the club since 2009, overseeing their Emperor’s Cup triumph and AFC Champions League qualification in 2013.

“I have been in office from July 2009,” Kaetsu said in a statement on F.Marinos’ website announcing his retirement from work in football.

“Looking back, I just realised that the six years and five months that has passed is the longest someone has been in the position.

“In addition, the milestone of just turning 60 is a big one.”

Nissan official Toru Hasegawa will assume the post of president on January 1, as the club aim to build on their seventh-place finish in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League next term.