Victoria's COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar will stand down from his role at the end of this month.
Mr Weimar was responsible for co-ordinating Victoria's testing, tracing and vaccination schemes.
His departure comes as Victoria eases a raft of restrictions, including the state's vaccinated economy and mandatory mask rules.
Mr Weimar said he would take time off before returning to the public service later in the year.
Mr Weimar was appointed to the COVID-19 response commander role in July 2020, after holding senior positions at VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria.
There's been some speculation that Mr Weimar has been in the running to help run the 2026 Commonwealth Games preparation — but he declined to comment on this matter.
A department of health spokesperson thanked Mr Weimar for his leadership throughout the pandemic.
"We thank Jeroen for his contribution to the COVID response – particularly his dedication, leadership and many hours spent keeping the Victorian community informed and updated," they said.
"The COVID response will continue as part of the wider public health team within the department, with key appointments made, alongside the ongoing leadership of Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.
"These appointments within the department will help ensure targeted and continued support for our community."
Announcement comes as Premier flags end to pandemic declaration
From 11:59pm Friday, Victoria's isolation rules for close contacts will be scrapped, along with vaccine requirements and mandatory mask rules under an easing of restrictions.
Victorians won't be required to have two vaccine doses or show their vaccination status before entering venues.
The requirement for staff and patrons of venues to check in using the Service Victoria app will end and operators will not be required to maintain attendance records or maintain a COVID marshal.
Masks will no longer be required in primary schools, in early childhood settings, or retail settings or events.
Close contacts will no longer have to quarantine, provided they wear a mask and avoid sensitive settings. They must also conduct five rapid antigen tests (RATs) over the course of seven days.
Premier Daniel Andrews said he hoped Victoria's pandemic declaration would not need to be extended beyond July.
The declaration gives the Health Minister the power to enforce COVID-19 restrictions, and is due to expire on July 12.
Mr Andrews said a decision on any extension would depend on the health advice.
"I don't know what independent expert advice I'm going to get in the days leading up to the 12th of July," he said.
"It's my hope, it's my hope we don't need that, or we need something less than that, or we need some other arrangement - that would be terrific."
