Auckland Council chief executive Jim Stabback has resigned for personal reasons.
Mayor Wayne Brown made the announcement on Wednesday saying Stabback's role is "one of the most challenging and rewarding leadership roles" in the public sector.
"He met with me to advise that he wished to terminate his contract with six months' notice," Brown said.
"This follows lengthy deliberation, and the process has been handled professionally and respectfully. Jim will continue to lead council and deliver on our commitments to Aucklanders, and help us transition to new leadership."
Brown and Stabback jointly announced the resignation to Auckland Council's Governing Body in a closed workshop on Wednesday.
Stabback had already informed his executive leadership team - who remain committed to key priorities including the ongoing emergency response and recovery from both the flooding in January and Cyclone Gabrielle.
Stabback became chief executive in September 2020, taking over from Stephen Town, and delivered key programmes and initiatives.
His tenure started with the global pandemic and saw more than 600 days of COVID-19 restrictions and concludes with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
He managed the council's government reform programme, implemented a review of council-controlled organisations, and achieved an emergency budget and recovery budget savings totalling $218 million.
Brown thanked Stabback for his service and dedication to staff, the wider council group, and Aucklanders.
Brown also confirmed the search for his successor will get underway soon.
