NZCER director Robyn Baker (pictured) stepped down in early October after 14 years in the role.
Board chair Peter Coolbear said Robyn has encouraged staff to be innovative and creative.
"She has been incredibly collegial and yet, when necessary has led from the front. She has a great eye for the opportunity and also a good instinct for what to leave alone. She has had some of the most amazing 360 degree feed-back I have ever seen.
"There is no doubt Robyn leaving NZCER is a huge loss, but there is also no doubt at all that Robyn leaves NZCER in a very strong position for an exciting future," he said. The NZCER Board has appointed the three NZCER general managers to the role of joint acting director until an appointment is made.