Postie Plus Group chief executive Ron Boskell will stand down in January 2013 to make way for further renewal in the management team.

The retailing company would continue with an acquisition strategy to promote growth, Boskell said.

In mid-May the clothing retailer announced it would move its head office from Christchurch to Auckland. It intends to shift its head office, and the 40 jobs that go with it, to Auckland over the next two and a half years.

This morning the group's shares were untraded and last traded at 22 cents a share.

Boskell started out as a youngster stacking boxes in a family footwear store in Perth and has spent his entire career in footwear and apparel retailing. He has been with Postie Plus for 10 years, the past seven of them as chief executive.

Boskell said it was the right time to leave with the transformation of the retail chain into a modern, exciting retailer well advanced.

"It's been a privilege leading Postie Plus Group, but the time is right for a change," Boskell said.

"We've got a solid structural, operational and financial platform in place and with the successful sale of Babycity we can focus on building Postie as a family friendly fashion apparel, uniform and health and beauty brand.''

Boskell said the company's move to Auckland would bring it closer to customers and growth markets.

There was also an ongoing restructure of the group's executive leadership team. Several senior managerial appointments had already been made including Jane Gammon, a seasoned international fashion retailer, as Postie general manager.

Postie Plus chairman Richard Punter said Boskell, who will stay in his role through to January 2013, had "shaken up" Postie, locking in efficiencies and lowering the cost of doing business while setting up the platforms to support the growth strategy.

"Shareholders can be confident that despite the continuing difficult trading environment, Ron is leaving Postie is in good shape with talented people to take up the reins. We wish him every success in his next endeavour," Punter said.

- © Fairfax NZ News