The appointment of Dean of the Otago School of Medical Sciences Prof Helen Nicholson to the role comes amid falling international student numbers in recent years and after a call from Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce for the university to be more ''aggressive'' in targeting foreign students.
Prof Todd, the first person appointed to the position in 2006, is leaving the university in October.
In announcing Prof Nicholson's appointment, deputy vice-chancellor academic and international Prof Vernon Squire said she was the ''ideal person'' to take on the role.
''She brings strong problem-solving skills complemented by a deep understanding of university processes to a vitally important part of the university's future,'' he said.
He also paid tribute to the ''outstanding job'' Prof Todd had done over the years.
''Sarah has done a marvellous job to safeguard and progress relationships with partner universities and affiliated organisations around the world.''
Prof Nicholson said she was ''excited'' about her new role, which would give her the chance to ''enhance Otago's international profile further''.
After moving from the United Kingdom to Otago University's Department of Anatomy in 2000, Prof Nicholson has filled a number of senior roles at the university.
Prof Todd, who was academic dean of the School of Business before becoming pro-vice chancellor and had been a staff member at the university since 1989, said she was ''bittersweet'' about leaving.
She was moving to Griffith University in Queensland, where she would be responsible for its international office, its English language institute and international business development unit.
''I am leaving International at Otago in good heart, and wish Helen all the best and look forward to seeing initiatives put in place bear fruit in the future.''
It was ''very much'' her decision to leave, and while she would have liked to complete her second five year term in the role, ''sometimes you have to take these opportunities when they come along''.
