Bay of Plenty Regional Council has appointed its strategic development group manager Mary-Anne Macleod as acting chief executive.

Mary-Anne will take up the position from Monday, June 6 when chief executive Bill Bayfield leaves for his new position at Canterbury Regional Council.

Mary-Anne is expected to be in the acting role for several months while the recruitment process for a permanent replacement is undertaken.

She has been in her current role with the regional council for several years, having moved from central government.

She has previously held the acting chief executive role at council and heading into it this time, says the organisation is in good shape.

'Looking forward, I believe my role will be ensuring that continues and addressing any unforeseen challenges that might arise,” says Mary-Anne.

'I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity and challenges.”