The Stock Exchange has appointed Head of Markets Mark Peterson as Interim chief executive, effective from January 1st.

This follows the resignation of Tim Bennett who hands over the reins at the end of the year.

Mr Bennett hasn't announced his future plans.

He said he's led an intensive four years of change and with that process largely complete, he's decided that the end of the year is the right time for someone else to drive the next phase of growth.

The NZX Board said they're still searching for a new CEO.