Bongard hastens departure from F&P Appliances

Chief executive John Bongard will leave Fisher&Paykel Appliances Holdings Ltd on September 30, the company says.

An ongoing battle with prostate cancer prompted Mr Bongard to signal his resignation at the annual meeting in August. He had intended to leave in December.

Due to medical advice, Mr Bongard had now requested his retirement on September 30.

"It is with regret that the board accepts his decision. The board wishes John all the very best in his retirement," the company said.

Stuart Broadhurst, chief operating officer appliances, will be acting chief executive, as well as retaining his current role.

The worldwide search for the chief executive is ongoing.

Mr Bongard's resignation came after more than 35 years at the company, the last four as chief executive.

Mr Bongard said he underwent treatment for prostate cancer a year ago but continued to work hard since as the company found itself in need of a recapitalisation. In August he said his doctor had advised "I'd better start listening to him because some of the results weren't as good as they should be, so I guess I'm doing what I'm told for a change". Two days after Mr Bongard was diagnosed he had to front the announcement of closing down a Dunedin factory.

He had been with Fisher&Paykel since 1973. He became managing director of the company in 2001, when Fisher&Paykel Appliances and Fisher&Paykel Healthcare split, and chief executive in 2005.