The Vancouver Island Health Authority is on the hunt for a new leader.
The organization announced Wednesday that president Howard Waldner plans to retire in April 2013.
"Howard has provided strong and effective leadership to the VIHA organization for more than eight years," said Don Hubbard, board chairman, in a press release. "We will miss the excitement and leadership of working with Howard. He has been a great colleague and, for many, a good friend."
Hubbard said Waldner leaves a proud legacy at VIHA, having developed a strong leadership team and a record of innovation and achievement. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Royal Jubilee Patient Care Centre and the new North Island Hospitals Project.
Under Waldner's leadership, VIHA was recognized as one of Canada's top 100 employers for the past four years.
The board will establish a recruitment process to replace Waldner.