Less than 1 year into job, David Knight Legg steps down as CEO of Invest Alberta

The CEO of the government's new investment attraction crown corporation, Invest Alberta,is stepping down after less than a year on the job.

David Knight Legg is instead shifting into a part-time advisor role withthe corporation.

"A decision that was not easy to come by, Dr. Knight Legg needs to prioritize time with his family who he has not seen due to COVID-19 travel restrictions for over 18 months," reads the notice from board chair Scott Hutcheson.

Knight Legg's family lives inSingapore.

The management of Invest Alberta will expand to include two new vice presidents, Lynette Tremblay and Greg Baker.

Baker will also serve as interim CEO until a new permanent leader is identified following a national search set to begin next week.

"I'm incredibly proud of the success and agility of the [Invest Alberta] team to adapt to the unique environment we've been working in. Their efforts in just a few months have already made a positive impact on our province's economy and recovery," Knight Legg said in a release.

Knight Legg, a former international banker, was the top advisor to Premier Jason Kenney prior to being offered the CEO position in September.

Invest Alberta is less than a year old, established in July to attract investment to the province's different sectors like energy, technology and agriculture.

In 2019, Knight Legg was criticized by the opposition NDP for billing $45,000 in travel expenses over six months while working as Kenney's principal advisor. Thegovernment defended the expenses as reasonable costs for the trips.