Mr Kempton (57) told the Otago Daily Times that he would leave the job on September 30.
Advertisements for a replacement chief executive officer appear in business publications today.
Asked why he was stepping aside, Mr Kempton said 23 years was a long time with the company. He had been managing director for eight years, replacing Ian McPherson.
He would retain his financial interest in the company, which he said was likely to remain 100% Dunedin owned for some time yet.
Mr Kempton joined the company in 1987 as its manager of subcontracting divisions, and in 1991 became a director and construction director responsible for its core construction services.
Although Dunedin-based, Naylor Love had a presence throughout New Zealand, Mr Kempton said.
