West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Chief Executive Officer Graham Sheffield has resigned for health reasons. A global search for a replacement will soon start.
West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Chairman Henry Tang today said Mr Sheffield was advised by his doctor to resign immediately.
“The board has reviewed the case thoroughly and the Chief Executive has agreed to our recommendation to release Mr Sheffield from his duties with immediate effect.”
Praising Mr Sheffield's significant contribution over the past few months, Mr Tang said his departure is a great loss to the authority.
"Over the past few months Graham has made significant contributions to the work of the authority in conceiving the arts and culture software of WKCD and engaging the public in the discussion of the development plan for the district. With his wealth of experience he has also developed close partnership with various stakeholders, in particular the local arts and culture circle.
"His departure is a great loss to the authority and my colleagues and I are sorry to see him go. We fully respect his decision and would like to offer him our best wishes."
Transition arrangements
Chairmen of the various committees under the board will work with the management team to share the work left by Mr Sheffield to ensure the authority reaches each milestone in the project as planned, Mr Tang said.
"We now have a core management team comprising professionals and experts from various fields that has been in place for quite some time. With the dedication and team spirit of staff, as well as the guidance and support of the board and its various committees, I am confident they will continue with their good work."
Reflecting on his work at the authority, Mr Sheffield said: "I am proud to have been part of this wonderful project and to have contributed to substantial progress since last summer. I am grateful for the support of the board and my excellent colleagues in our new team and I look forward to seeing further progress from afar as the plan develops into reality."
Mr Sheffield was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the authority in March last year and reported for duty in August.
