The CEO of the UK Oracle User Group has resigned after 19 years at the association.

James Haslam, who joined in July 1997 as financial controller, is leaving UKOUG on 6 March 2015 for a career break, using the opportunity to travel.

During his tenure, Haslam held a range of leading positions, including operations manager, general manager, director of operations to the CEO and board member.

In its announcement, the association said he played a "pivotol role" in building the UKOUG’s position as a leading user group worldwide, and expanding the group’s portfolio to include the user groups of PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, Hyperion, Siebel, Solaris and Taleo.

"The role James is vacating is a key leadership role to both UKOUG and in the wider User Group community. As such it is important that James’ replacement is selected with care. To that end, until a replacement is selected, we will be appointing an interim CEO supported by the Senior Management Team," Fiona Martin, UKOUG’s members advocate chair, said in a statement.

"I’m sure you will all join me in wishing James all the very best for the future. As and when a replacement is appointed I will not hesitate to communicate that to you."