Liddell resigns from Carter Holt board

Former Carter Holt Harvey chief executive Chris Liddell has resigned from the forestry company's board to focus on his new role as chief financial officer (CFO) of Microsoft.

Mr Liddell said in a statement he was disappointed he would not be able to continue as a Carter Holt director.

"However I do believe that I would not be able to give the 100 per cent commitment necessary to be an effective member of the team", he said.

Carter Holt chairman John Maasland thanked Mr Liddell for his contribution to the company both as a board member and a past chief executive.

"We know that Chris will retain a keen interest in the company, We will miss him but we certainly wish him every success in his new role," he said in a statement.

Mr Liddell took on the Microsoft CFO role on May 9. He is responsible for Microsoft's finances worldwide, including accounting and reporting, strategic planning and analysis, treasury, tax, audit and investor relations.

Mr Liddell stepped down as Carter Holt's chief executive at the end of 2002 and became CFO at its US parent. International Paper, in February 2003.

Shares in Carter Holt were down 2c at $1.78, having ranged between $1.76 and $2.59 over the past 12 months.

- NZPA