Skyline Enterprises, one of Queenstown's major tourist operators, is going through a "changing of the guard" in its management positions.
Chairman Barry Thomas and managing director Ken Matthews have both stepped back, and while Jeff Staniland has been appointed chief executive officer, the board has yet to elect a new chairman.
"After 33 years as chairman, I think it is appropriate for me to step back. With a new CEO taking over from Ken Matthews, the timing is right for a general change in leadership," Mr Thomas said.
He was involved in the recruitment of Mr Staniland and said that appointment had nothing to do with his decision to step down as chairman.
"I will still be actively involved with Skyline, as I remain on the board of directors."
Mr Thomas will still keep his other board involvements, which include positions as chairman for Christchurch Casino Ltd and Mountain Scene Ltd.
He announced his intention to step down at the Skyline Enterprises annual meeting in September, but will remain as chairman until the board chooses his successor at the next board meeting.
Ken Matthews is the acting CEO for Destination Queenstown until a new chief executive is employed to replace Stephen Pahl, who resigned in September.
Skyline Enterprises got through a year where visitor numbers declined by about 8%, but it still registered an operating profit before tax of $10.9 million for the year ending March 2009.
The remaining board of directors for Skyline are: Grant Hensman, Phillip Hensman, Jan Hunt, Donald Jackson, Richard Thomas and Bill Walker.
