Forde joined Newmarket in 2010 and said he would leave on a high, with the escorted touring specialist hailing his "instrumental" efforts to build relationships with the trade.
Details of his successor will follow in the coming weeks. Forde will also stand down as chair of trade support organisation Tipto, a position he has held since November 2022.
"After more than a decade in the hot seat, now felt like the right time for me personally to take a career break before I decide on my next chapter," said Forde. "Newmarket Holidays has had a brilliant few years of strong growth and industry recognition, and I can go out on a high."
Forde said with new agent initiatives and a website upgrade in the works, "the company’s commitment to the trade has never been greater and is central to its future growth strategy".
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a team at Newmarket Holidays and I depart leaving the business in great shape, with fantastic partners supported by a dedicated and experienced trade team," Forde continued.
He added: "I’m also leaving before anyone calls me an ’industry veteran’!"
David Sharman, Newmarket’s chief commercial officer, said: "Everyone at Newmarket Holidays would like to thank Richard for his hard work, for his championing of escorted touring in the industry, and for building our relationships with the trade. We will all miss his presence and influence.
"Richard and I have worked together for 25 years, and I consider myself very lucky to have worked alongside someone with such honesty, integrity and humour, and I am pleased he has made this decision for himself and his family."
