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Australia's World Surf League commissioner Kieren Perrow is stepping away from the job, citing the relocation of the role to the US as a factor in his decision.

Australian Kieren Perrow is stepping down as World Surf League (WSL) commissioner after overseeing a major overhaul of the competition across his six years at the helm.

The WSL tour plans to base the position in the US with Perrow opting to resign rather than relocate due to family commitments.

"With the role now needing to be based in Los Angeles, I'm taking this opportunity to step down and spend more time in Australia with my family," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

After retiring from the world tour in 2013, the 42-year-old managed the league's transition from the Association of Surfing Professionals to the WSL at the start of the 2015 season.

But the ex-professional surfer product won't be lost to the sport, remaining with the WSL in a support role.

"Kieren's leadership over the past six years has significantly contributed to the success and improvements across the sport," WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said.

"We're very pleased that he will continue to work with us in a new capacity."

Another former competitor, American Pat O'Connell, will officially succeed Perrow in the top job on March 11 ahead of April's season-opening event on the Gold Coast.