Wellington, Nov 9 NZPA - Hallenstein Glasson chief executive Roy Dillon is to step down from the position at the clothing retailer on March 31.

Mr Dillon was appointed acting chief executive in October 2008, with the specific task of steering the company through the recession, Hallenstein Glasson said today.

Chairman Warren Bell said that the board had been "extremely fortunate" to have Mr Dillon as chief executive during an "exceptionally turbulent" year for retail.

Mr Dillon had accepted the position for a finite time only, and had indicated he wished to pursue other ventures, Mr Bell said.

The company had started a search for his replacement.