Otago Regional Council chief executive Sarah Gardner resigned on May 11, and will leave the role on May 18.
She will begin her new role as programme director for Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM), which is a partnership between Wellington City, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Trasnport Agency and mana whenua.
It has a multibillion-dollar budget and an aim of developing the capital’s transport infrastructure.
LGWM independent board chairman Dave Brash said Mrs Gardner was born in Wellington and later raised her family there.
"We’re fortunate to have such a high-calibre professional joining the programme at this critical time," Mr Brash said.
Mrs Gardner said she was "thrilled" by the appointment.
"This is one of the biggest and boldest programmes of work currently undertaken in Aotearoa."
