Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

The chief executive hired to get clothing retailer Hallenstein Glasson through the recession has resigned.

The company says Roy Dillon wants to pursue other ventures and will leave at the end of March.

Hallenstein Glasson chairman Warren Bell says Mr Dillon, who arrived last October, had been hired specifically to lead the firm through the recession.

Mr Bell says the company has been extremely fortunate to have had Roy Dillon at the helm for more than a year.

Hallenstein Glasson saw its annual after-tax profit dip more than 19% despite higher sales in what Mr Bell has called an exceptionally turbulent year for retail.