Amiss is rated by many as Warwickshire's best homegrown batsman

The 62-year-old originally planned to step down in 2003 but was persuaded to stay on by the club.

"Under his leadership the club has enjoyed its most successful period on the pitch, winning eight titles," said club chairman Neil Houghton.

Amiss played for Warwickshire from 1958 to 1987, scoring 43,423 first-class runs, including 102 centuries.

He moved into business following his retirement, but remained a committed supporter of the club behind the scenes.

Amiss played 50 Tests and 18 one-day internationals for England

He took over as chief executive in 1994 and they won three trophies in his first year in charge, including the County Championship.

In 2004, the team returned to the top of the tree after almost a decade when Nick Knight led them to the title.

Amiss, who is also chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board's International Teams Management Group, will leave his post next April, but will remain on the staff in a consultancy role.

"He has made a major contributiuon to the club and will leave a lasting legacy," Houghton added.

"Success on the pitch has been matched in terms of the club's finances, and partly due to his successful negotiation with commercial partners and sponsors, new records have been set in terms of both turnover and profit.

"He has expertly and tactfully steered us through the highs and lows, both on and off the pitch, and we shall fully utilise his skills in his remaining time as chief executive and from 2006 as a consultant."