Scion chief executive Dr Warren Parker will retire once a replacement has been found, it was announced today.
The Crown Research Institute said in a statement that a search for his replacement was underway.
Dr Parker joined Scion in March 2011 and after almost six years at the helm and more than 20 years in senior executive roles now wants to focus on directorships, grandchildren, and checking off his 'bucket list'.
"It has been a privilege to lead Scion through a positive period of change including
implementing the CRI Taskforce reforms and strengthening industry, iwi and international relationships," said Dr Parker.
"The challenges posed by climate change and the imperative to manage land within tighter environmental limits, means a vibrant forest industry is even more vital to New Zealand's economic and environmental future than in the past."