Nine Entertainment Co. chief operating officer and chief financial officer Simon Kelly has notified the company of his intention to leave the business later this year.

Kelly has set 31 May 2016 as his final day in the office, with Nine now commencing its search for a suitable replacement.

Kelly has played an integral part of the NEC executive team since 2012 and has played a key leadership role in the transformation of the business since that time.

Kelly helped lead the successful sale of ACP and Nine Live, the Company’s re-capitalisation and subsequent IPO and the development of its premium video strategy. He leaves the business in a very strong position.

“I am very proud of the many achievements we have delivered over the past few years and the strong position that I leave the business in,” Kelly said.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with the most talented team in the industry and wish them every success in the future.”

CEO Hugh Marks added, “I would like to thank Simon for the significant contribution he has made to the transformation of NEC into the innovative business it is today, with a balance sheet that will enable us to maximise future opportunities. I wish him all the best for the future.”