AIIA chairman Peter Kazacos said Durie advised the board of directors on Friday that he will not be renewing his contract when it expires at the end of this year. "Rob indicated that after 17 years with AIIA he feels it's time for a new challenge," Kazacos said.

Rob Durie joined AIIA in 1989 in an industry development role. After several years as deputy, Durie was appointed CEO in December 1999.Durie has overseen growth in AIIA both in terms of membership and influence during his tenure as chief executive.

Under his leadership the association's membership has risen substantially and AIIA has achieved significant policy changes at the state and federal level, most recently in procurement related issues, such as liability and intellectual property.

Durie has also been responsible for the introduction of many of AIIA's membership programs, such as the iAwards, the Software Showcase and CollabIT.

"Rob has made such an important contribution, not only to AIIA, but to the industry more broadly," Kazacos said.