Tauranga Chamber of Commerce is on the hunt for its second chief executive in 12 months after Dave Burnett handed in his resignation.

The chamber announced Dave's resignation from the position today, and this will be effective from March 31.

Dave Burnett has resigned as Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive after 11 months in the role. Photo: File.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce board chairman Luke Stewart says Dave has grown the chamber membership and offering, while also maintaining the chamber's role as the voice for business in the region.

'Mr Burnett played a major role in securing the recently awarded high performance work initiative programme for the chamber,” says Luke.

'The Chamber has a vital role in the business community and under Mr Burnett's leadership we have been able to continue to support, educate and represent business in the Tauranga region.”

Dave took over the role from predecessor Max Mason, in the job for five years, last March – bringing with him a wealth of business experience in the Bay of Plenty over the last 20 years.

He previously held a general management position and senior sales and marketing roles with Agri-feeds, Satara, Comvita and BHP Steel.

Luke confirms the board will begin recruitment of a new chief executive immediately.

Until a new candidate is confirmed for the role, the board has appointed the current vice-chairperson, Toni Palmer, as interim-CEO on a part-time basis.

Dave would not comment on the matter when contacted by SunLive this afternoon.