Foreign Affairs and Trade chief executive John Allen is resigning to take up a role in the private sector.
Mr Allen took up the role in July 2009 and headed a controversial restructuring of the government department which was opposed by many staff and saw 49 ambassadors and heads of foreign missions co-sign a letter criticising the plan.
Prior to his role at Mfat, Allen was chief executive of New Zealand Post and previously a partner of law firm Rudd Watts and Stone.
Mr Allen's departure was flagged by political newsletter Trans-Tasman, which said he planned to announce next Monday that he is leaving for a top post in the private sector. That announcement may now be brought forward to today, according to people familiar with the matter who declined to be identified.
Mfat didn't immediately return calls seeking comment.
By Tina Morrison
