Blackmores boss Christine Holgate says she loves the vitamin maker but that she couldn't pass up the opportunity to lead Australia Post.
Ms Holgate led the company to a healthy growth surge during nine years at the helm and Blackmores shares dropped more than four per cent on Tuesday on the news that she would leave on September 29.
She said she didn't want to quit the firm she loves, but that the opportunity to lead a national institution was too good to let pass by.
"I love Blackmores; I love the team, I love the business, I love what the people stand for and I had no desire to leave," she told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
But Ms Holgate said Blackmores chairman Marcus Blackmore had taught her the value of social contribution, and that a longstanding institution such as Australia Post was in a special position to add to the community.
"Australia Post is a very unique organisation; it's in the fabric of our society," Ms Holgate said.
"Every family is touched by them: how could you not want to be part of that journey?"
Ms Holgate led Blackmores through a period of huge expansion into China that helped briefly lift its shares on the ASX above $220 at the start of last year.
Blackmores shares have declined over the last 18 months as its growth slowed but the company still reported a $100 million full-year profit in 2015/16.
Mr Blackmore, who has been on sabbatical from his role as chairman, will return to become interim chief executive.
He was supportive of Ms Holgate through the process of her selection as head of Australia Post, she said.
Mr Blackmore, the son of founder Maurice Blackmore and who in 1973 led the company at the age of 28, recently said he was happy being away from the office.
He told News Corp's The Australian newspaper in March he went on sabbatical to change the way he worked.
"I want to redirect that energy into other things so when I return to work I can make a more satisfying contribution," he said at the time.
Stephen Chapman, who has filled in for Mr Blackmore as chairman, will now stay on in the role after the appointment of Ms Holgate's permanent replacement.
Blackmores shares closed down 4.4 per cent at $89.81.
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