Imtiaz Farookhi is to step down as chief executive of NHBC at the end of this month after nearly 14 years in charge. NHBC chairman Isabel Hudson will become interim executive chairman while a successor is sought. "I have been planning my departure and succession for the last two years and following the completion of the 75th anniversary celebrations and the successful appointment of Isabel Hudson as chairman I think now is the right time for me to move on," said Farookhi. Hudson thanked Farookhi for the vision he has brought as ceo "during which time he has helped shape the modern day NHBC." Under Farookhi's leadership NHBC has extended both the cope of its Buildmark warranty and the range of services offered to the industry. "One of his major contributions," said Hudson, "was the creation in 2006 of the NHBC Foundation, the colaborative research arm which is recognised for its research both nationaly and internationally and has helped to establish NHBC as a world leader in new-build standards and consumer protection."