One of the country's leading business figures, Lloyd Morrison, has leukaemia and is stepping down as chief executive from the company he founded while he is treated for the disease.
Mr Morrison is taking indefinite medical leave from infrastructure investment company Infratil.
Executive director Tim Brown said Mr Morrison's diagnosis last week was a shock and it is important that he focus on his health and family.
He said Mr Morrison was well equipped to face such a challenge.
Mr Brown said Infratil's chief operating officer, Marko Bogoievski, would be chief executive during Mr Morrison's medical leave.
Mr Morrison will also take leave of absence from his positions as a director of Infratil, TrustPower and Auckland International Airport.
