Priority One Chief Executive, Andrew Coker, has resigned effective from August, giving the economic development board three months to find a replacement.

Andrew leaves Priority One after 10 years, eight of them as chief executive.

Andrew Coker is stepping down as CEO of Priority One.

'It's the right time to move on,” says Andrew. He's stepping down from the role to focus full-time on his private start-up venture.

'I firmly believe that a good CEO should dedicate themselves to a role for five to eight years maximum to give their very best in terms of strategic direction and energy, and then move aside and allow a fresh set of legs to continue the work and seek new directions,” says Andrew.

'Change brings opportunity and with a new CEO at Priority One, alongside our formidable team and board, I only see it going from strength to strength in demonstratively delivering positive change and growth in the region.”

One of Priority One's roles is to attract businesses and Andrew's Campaign of 2011/12 included humorous Auckland and Wellington motorway signs reminding commuters of better conditions in Tauranga, attracted national comments.

Priority One chairman, Brett Hewlett, says Priority One under Andrew's leadership is acknowledged as one of the leading economic development agencies in the country.

'We will be sad to see Andrew go. He has had such a profound impact on the building of our community. Today, Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty is the fastest growing regional economy,” says Brett.

'I wish to acknowledge the leadership, passion and dedication that Andrew has given to the role over the past 10 years. Based on this reputation, we anticipate that the calibre of applicants for Priority One's new CEO will be extremely high and the recruitment process will begin immediately. We wish Andrew all the very best for his future endeavours.”