SAN JOSE >> The CEO of a key downtown San Jose business group has quit, leaving a vacancy in the organization’s top spot ahead of the arrival of three major sporting events next year.

San Jose Downtown Association CEO Alex Stettinski has resigned, according to information released by the association and a group representing property owners. It reportedly was abrupt and occurred without warning.

“Alex Stettinski has decided to step down as CEO to pursue his next professional chapter,” according to a prepared statement issued by the association and a downtown property owner group. “We thank him for his nearly three years of service and leadership.”

The two business groups said they wished Stettinski well in his next endeavor.

Gumby Marques, a prior chair of the San Jose Downtown Association’s board of directors, has taken over on an interim basis to lead the group while the board scouts for a permanent replacement.

The vacancy emerges at a critical time for businesses in downtown San Jose.

Political leaders hope downtown businesses will be able to harvest some of the upswing in activity expected from a trio of mega events that are slated to arrive in the South Bay in 2026.

The NFL’s Super Bowl, several matches of the FIFA World Cup and a key round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament are scheduled to be held.

“From advancing our clean and safe initiatives to championing local businesses, the San Jose Downtown Association remains firmly focused on progress,” the association stated.