Bay of Plenty District Health Board chief executive Phil Cammish has announced his resignation after 10 years in the role.
Board chairwoman Sally Webb said the news had been announced to health board staff on Wednesday.
" He's decided it's time to resign and go and have more time with his family," she said. "He's been a huge asset to the organisation."
Mr Cammish would not be stepping down until the end of January so the board had plenty of time to recruit a replacement, Mrs Webb said.
"You think of the building development in Tauranga and Whakatane, you think of the services, the people. There's been a lot done.
"The development of the site under Phil at Tauranga has been amazing. The relationship this organisation has with the union and staff has been really good. Quality is important for Phil and that creeps through to the staff."
Whoever was appointed as the new CEO would have big shoes to fill, Mrs Webb said. The board had already started the process of finding a replacement, she said.
"As a board that will be the biggest decision we have to make for some time."
A recruitment adviser will be employed to help find the right person and there will be extensive advertising.
Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller agreed Mr Cammish had left a legacy in his role.
"Just in the last seven years he's overseen a health service that has delivered 50 per cent more elective surgery over that period. I think he's delivered a real passion for people, a real passion for the health service and a modern way of delivering it," Mr Muller said.
"He has been a great servant for the community and we should acknowledge his legacy."
Mr Muller agreed it would be a big task to find a replacement.
"I have every confidence the board ... will get someone who can ... build on his legacy."