"Kim is an outstanding advocate for business, and the needs of business. He has done a sterling job in leading the organisation through significant change in the past seven years and leaves the EMA in great shape, says Andrew Hunt, President, EMA.
"His belief in the work of the EMA and focus on helping businesses succeed has been uncompromising.
"He now wishes to step away from the day-to-day role of leading the organisation. Through his directorships and extensive network I’m sure he will remain active in the business community.
"Under Kim’s leadership, we have seen the EMA grow and transform. He has achieved numerous policy successes.
"Some of his highlights include being an active participant in the formation of what is now known as Resource Reform NZ, which is leading the charge on the broad consensus to reform our resource management systems.
"He led a coalition to have the car park tax stopped and has always been a leading voice in the trade agenda debate.
"And of most recent note, the above the line campaign which galvanised our members to ask Government to consider the ramifications of the raft of employment relations changes in the pipeline.
"In addition to the government relations and advocacy work EMA is renowned for, Kim also oversaw the development of our award-winning business and conference centre which is a visible hub for all our members.
"He has lead the review and enhancement of EMA’s accounting and customer management systems. He has expanded the EMA’s service offering to members in the area of employment relations and health and safety, and has substantially grown the organisation’s balance sheet.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kim for his enormous contribution to the growth and success of EMA and the wider business community. We now have time to recruit a new CEO and transition to new leadership," says Mr Hunt.
Ideally, Mr Campbell would like hand over to a new CEO by November 22 but will remain in the role temporarily if a suitable replacement has not been found by then.