Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason is stepping down after almost five years in the role.

The chamber announced today that Max is leaving to take up a new job as village manager at Ryman Healthcare's Bob Owens Retirement Village starting January 2014.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Max Mason is leaving to take a position at Bob Owens Retirement Village.

Max says being chief executive of the chamber is one of the most fulfilling and privileged jobs in Tauranga.

'To have participated in the growth and development of this beautiful, vibrant and go-ahead city was a real honour.”

He says the time is right to step down from the chamber for both the organisation and himself.

'I have always believed that one should always seek new challenges and I was perhaps starting to feel a bit of a comfort zone. And when that happens it's good for both the organisation and the individual to look at other options.”

His new role as village manager sees him overseeing 165 employees compared to the modest 11 at the chamber – something he admits is a big step up.

Highlights for Max include working with 'so many fine people” contributing to the wider business community for little reward. Included in his list are chamber board members and sponsors, Westpac Business Award judges and the Maori Business Network all giving time, money or expertise in pursuit of the greater business good.

'They believe a vibrant business community is vital to the quality of life of the whole population, and it has been a pleasure working with them.”

Max, employed by the chamber for seven years, also pays tribute to all the government organisations, businesses and other agencies he has interacted with during his time.

'In terms of collaboration and innovation, Tauranga and the Western Bay has something special. I have heard many, many people from other regions say how productive it must be to work harmoniously in such an environment.”

He thanks Tauranga Chamber of Commerce president Paul Bowker, the board and staff going 'above and beyond” their normal duties making it a pleasure to come to work.

'Lastly thanks to my wife Helen and son Mungo, who understood the need to spend so much time at after-hours events and other activities.”

The chief executive role is currently vacated and it is now up to the chamber's board to instil a new direction for the organisation, says Max.

'It depends on how the board decides to take the organisation forward. We have a board meeting on Thursday night where the board will discuss the direction they will be wanting to go."

Commerce president Paul Bowker is sad to see Max leave the chamber, but at the same time thanks him for his service.

'We are sad to see Max go, but understand his need to seek new challenges.

'On behalf of the board, staff and members we wish him all the best for the future and are glad that he is staying in Tauranga.”