Seafood company Sanford on Thursday announced the resignation of its chief executive Volker Kuntzsch.
Kuntzsch, who has led the company for seven years, will step out of the role on September 18.
"Volker has helped transform Sanford into a progressive, values-based company with an outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and to Sanford’s people," the company's chair Sir Rob McLeod said in a statement.
"On behalf of the Sanford team, we are grateful to Volker for his leadership and thank him for a seven year contribution as our chief executive.
"Over those last seven years we have made good progress on maximising the value of our fish products and diversifying our business, as well as turning our aquaculture business into a profitable and innovative unit," he said.
"As we now move towards a greater focus on consumer-driven innovation and marketing, Volker and the Sanford Board have agreed that now would be a sensible time for a new leader to drive the next phase of the strategy."
Kuntzsch said he would be sad to move on but the COVID-19 lockdown had given him an opportunity for reflection.
"I'm incredibly proud of the transition we have made as a company from a commodity business to one that focuses on value and values," he said.
"The team are truly outstanding and I will miss them but I am ready for and looking forward to the next chapter in my life which starts with stepping back and focusing on my lovely family.
"I have spent many years in leadership roles around the world. Sanford is one I will look back on with great satisfaction and with confidence that its people will continue on the path and strategy we have set and will achieve great things."
The company said it would begin the search for a new chief executive shortly.
Until a replacement was found Andre Gargiulo would be acting chief executive, the company said.
