Tauranga business boss steps down

Chief executive of Priority One, Andrew Coker. Photo/file

Priority One chief executive Andrew Coker has resigned.

Mr Coker this morning announced he was stepping down from the role to focus full-time on his private start-up venture.

Andrew leaves the role after 10 years with Priority One, eight of which he was chief executive.

He said it was the right time for him to move on.

"I firmly believe that a good CEO should dedicate themselves to a role for five to eight years maximum to give their very best in terms of strategic direction and energy, and then move aside and allow a fresh set of legs to continue the work and seek new directions. Change brings opportunity and with a new CEO at Priority One, alongside our formidable team and board, I only see it going from strength to strength in demonstratively delivering positive change and growth in the region."

Mr Coker will step down from the role in August leaving the Priority One Board three months to mount a recruitment process.

Priority One chairman, Brett Hewlett, said: "We will be sad to see Andrew go''.

''He has had such a profound impact on the building of our community. Today, Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty is the fastest growing regional economy and Priority One is acknowledged as one of the leading economic development agencies in the country.

''I wish to acknowledge the leadership, passion and dedication that Andrew has given to the role over the past 10 years. Based on this reputation, we anticipate that the calibre of applicants for Priority One's new CEO will be extremely high and the recruitment process will begin immediately.''

We wish Andrew all the very best for his future endeavours."