Daily deals company LivingSocial has moved chief-financial officer, Paul Langston, to the CEO of Australia and New Zealand role following Adam Rigby’s decision to step down.

Langston’s appointment is effective immediately and it follows two years as CFO of the company’s Australia, New Zealand and APAC operations.

LivingSocial said Langston’s transition into the role has “been planned for some time” with Riby, who was CEO for four years, to remain as LivingSocial Australia chairman during the transition period.

Rigby said: “I have greatly enjoyed being a part of such a wonderful company and helping it grow significantly over the past four years, while the sector has dramatically evolved. As LivingSocial is set to undergo its next phase of evolution in 2014, it’s the right time for me to step aside now for my next adventure and for Paul to take on the reigns as CEO. I’ll greatly miss the team I’ve worked so closely with in Sydney and around the region and look forward to seeing what they will now achieve under Paul’s leadership.”

Langston added: “Throughout my time with LivingSocial, Adam has been a great friend and colleague, and although I am sad to see him leave, I am thrilled at the opportunity it presents and to working closely with our talented team.”