Auckland Transport chief executive Dean Kimpton is stepping down and leaving the job on May 1.

In a statement this morning, AT board chairman Richard Leggat said the organisation was grateful for Kimpton’s commitment to AT and Aucklanders over the past three years.

“The organisation, under Dean’s leadership, has put a strong focus on delivering outcomes.

“I’d like to thank him for his significant contribution and wish him the very best for his future endeavour.

“Under his leadership, we have seen two years of delivering our biggest ever capital programmes, the introduction of new ways to pay on public transport, more frequent services, innovation as we use technology to improve network productivity, and an organisation focused on delivering agreed outcomes for Auckland Council.”

Kimpton’s announcement comes as Auckland Council and the Government reform the transport body, bringing its planning and road-controlling functions inside the council. AT will remain as a public transport agency.

“The reform of transport in Auckland, expected to receive Royal assent next month, will see the organisation shifting to focus solely on public transport,” said Leggat.

“The board agrees this is the appropriate time for alternative interim leadership arrangements, more aligned to upcoming change.”

The AT board will consider these arrangements with Auckland Council ahead of Kimpton’s departure, as the organisation moves towards legislative changes and reform.

Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson acknowledged Kimpton’s contribution to AT and the wider Auckland Council whānau.

“I have known and worked with Dean for many years, both in his role at Auckland Transport and prior to that when he was chief operating officer at council, and appreciate his commitment to delivering for Aucklanders in all his work. There have been measurable improvements at AT during his tenure,” Wilson said.

“We wish Dean the very best and thank him for his work and leadership, and in particular in working closely with us to set transport arrangements up for the future.”