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.