Development West Coast CEO resigns

3 September 2013

Development West Coast CEO resigns

Development West Coast’s CEO John Chang has announced he is to resign from his role with the Trust.

Dr Chang will step down as CEO at the end of November however he has agreed to a request by the DWC board to assist with the transition to new management until 31 March 2014.

DWC Chairman John Sturgeon says Dr Chang told the board of his decision yesterday and it has received his resignation with sadness.

“The role of CEO is going to be a difficult one to fill because of the skills John Chang has brought to DWC. He has given the Trust excellent direction and will be leaving DWC in a good financial position. Personally, I have enjoyed working with him and believe we worked very well as a team as our skills were very complementary,” says Mr Sturgeon.

Dr Chang says he has decided to leave DWC to be closer to family in Auckland as he has spent the last five years commuting to the West Coast.

“I began my role at a time when DWC was going through interesting times and I have worked extremely hard with the team to build DWC’s credibility, performance and public confidence. I did not want to leave with the job half done but now believe that with the help of the Trustees, staff and community I have achieved my goals for DWC,” says Dr Chang.

“I feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to experience life on the West Coast. During my time with DWC I have met some wonderful people and thank the board for their guidance. In particular I would like to acknowledge the mentoring I have received from Chair John Sturgeon with whom I have had a close working relationship”.

Dr Chang joined DWC in January 2009 with a strong executive management background. He previously led Canterprise Ltd, the University of Canterbury’s commercialisation company, from 2004-08 before establishing Jardoo Investments in early 2008.

DWC will now begin the process of recruiting a new CEO.

ENDS

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