SFO boss Feeley quits for Queenstown job

Serious Fraud Office boss Adam Feeley has resigned, three years into his five-year appointment.

The SFO boss has landed a new job as chief executive of the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

He starts in three months.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the SFO but I am relishing the future challenge and very much look forward to engaging with my new community,” Mr Feeley said.

Queenstown Lakes District mayor Vanessa van Uden said Mr Feeley has "an exemplary track record as a decisive and action oriented leader" and "comes with political and business acumen".

-------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday afternoon:

Serious Fraud Officer director Adam Feeley will announce his resignation this week – probably tomorrow – three years into his five-year contract.

This follows well-placed legal and political insiders assuring NBR ONLINE last week Mr Feely was on the verge of quitting.

Mr Feeley, who has found another job as ceo of Queenstown and Lakes district council, is said to have been under pressure to quit after some well-publicised lapses of judgment.

Last week SFO spokeswoman Andrea Linton insisted to NBR ONLINE “Adam is not leaving the SFO”.

Mr Feeley has had a wide range of management roles in the public and private sector, including Baycorp, Crown Minerals and the Ministry of Economic Development.

He was chief executive of the Eden Park redevelopment board before his appointment to the SFO in November 2009.

It is understood Mr Feeley's departure will reopen the possibility of bringing the often-troubled SFO and its cowboy image under the auspices of the police.

Mr Feeley will start his role within the next three months, according to a statement on the council's website after media reports surfaced that he was poised to quit the SFO.

The council's statement came out ahead of any release from the SFO or Police Minister Anne Tolley, BusinessDesk reported early last night.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the SFO but I am relishing the future challenge and very much look forward to engaging with my new community,” Mr Feeley said.

“Initially, I am looking forward to forging relationships with staff, elected members and the wider community and getting on with the business of ensuring the Lakes District continues to be successful and vibrant.”

Queenstown Lakes District mayor Vanessa van Uden said Feeley has "an exemplary track record as a decisive and action oriented leader" and "comes with political and business acumen".