Warwick Hunt

Wellington, May 22 NZPA - PricewaterhouseCoopers' New Zealand chief executive officer Warwick Hunt is leaving to take up a role with the firm in the Middle East.

PWC New Zealand chairman John Shewan said Mr Hunt would take up the role of chief executive of the Middle East region of the firm in November.

His successor in New Zealand would be elected by, and from a pool of, almost 120 partners at the end of September, he said.

Mr Hunt joined the firm as an audit partner in 1995, and has worked closely with business leaders and regulators across a breadth of industries.

He led the firm's assurance practice for two years, and chaired the Accounting Standards Review Board between 2003 and 2008.

"My time with PwC New Zealand has been very challenging and rewarding, and it is with tremendous regret that I leave the New Zealand team of PwC staff and partners behind.

"However after 15 years with the firm - five of those as chief executive - I believe it is time for me to move on and tackle a new challenge," Mr Hunt said.

NZPA