Dairy Womens Network chief quits

For the past two years Speight has been commuting from her home in Tauranga to the Network's Hamilton-based offices. She believes the role requires someone based in Waikato.

"Being in Tauranga and with significant family and community commitments has made me rethink my priorities. I have decided to resign from the role of chief executive to spend more time with my family in the immediate future," she says.

Speight joined the Network in 2011 as the first full-time chief executive in its 15 year history.

Network Trust board chair Michelle Wilson says Speight has had an outstanding tenure as chief executive including doubling the Network's membership numbers, playing an instrumental role in launching the Dairy Woman of the Year Award, building a team of employees and growing significant support for the Network from industry organisations and sponsors.

"We are disappointed to be losing Sarah as our leader, but we understand the challenges of travelling and juggling career and family life, and consequently her decision to spend more time with her family and be closer to home."

Wilson has stepped into the role of executive chair to lead the Network's day-to-day operations while a recruitment campaign is carried out.