One of New Zealand's top business leaders, Infratil's Lloyd Morrison, has leukaemia and is stepping down from his companies on medical leave.
Infratil chairman David Newman dropped the bombshell in an announcement to the stock exchange this morning.
"Morrison has been diagnosed with a form of leukaemia andhas started treatment," the announcement says. "Morrison will also take leave of absence from his positions as director of Infratil, TrustPower and Auckland International Airport."
Infratil's chief operating officer, Marko Bogoievski, has with immediate effect been appointed as chief executive during Morrison's medical leave.
"It is important for Lloyd to focus on his health and family. Infratil is very well placed with the strength of its businesses and the depth in the management team. Our thoughts are with Lloyd and his family and I am sure he will fight this illness with the same determination and passion he has shown in the business."
Infratil owns Auckland's Stagecoach buses, a major stake in Trustpower and a smaller stake Auckland International Airport, along with investments in European airports.
They are also behind a plan to convert the air force base at Whenuapai in West Auckland into a commercial airport.
Morrison is also a well known patron of the arts and music and achieved fame outside the business world with his backing of a campaign to change the New Zealand flag. He was the 2006 NZ Herald Business Leader of the Year.
