An organization that markets Ottawa to the world as a hi-tech destination is now looking for a new president and CEO.

The search comes after Jeffrey Dale, who led the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation for seven years, announced he plans to step down once the organization appoints a suitable successor.

"It has been a pleasure and an honour to work with OCRI and the business leaders of Ottawa," Dale said in a prepared statement on Tuesday.

"OCRI is a fantastic organization and I assure you that this is the best job in Ottawa. The Board and I have come to mutual decision that now is the perfect time to begin the transition process and find the right person to take OCRI to the next level."

Strong leadership

Dale came to the job just as the tech bubble burst, which created a harsh new reality for Ottawa's technology sector and a need to focus on small firms.

"Jeffrey was the right man for the job. We have the government and the tech sector and the education facilities here and we have an economy that can go with the good and the bad times, we are in a good spot," OCRI chair Gary Hannah told CTV Ottawa.

The organization, which works to bring business, education and research together, says the selection and transition process to replace Dale is expected to take about six months.

Although OCRI credits Dale's leadership for enhancing Ottawa's reputation as a leading technology centre on the global front, Dale admits not all his dreams worked out.

He had hoped the tech sector in Ottawa would have 100,000 jobs -- the economy, however, had other ideas.

Not done yet

Dale intends to remain as OCRI's president and CEO until his successor has been announced. He is also expected to play an active role in the transition process.

"We look forward to working closely with Jeffrey over the next several months to find the most eligible candidates for the position. On behalf of the entire board I thank him for his commitment and dedication to OCRI and the new focus and energy he has brought to the organization," said Hannah.

Although Dale told CTV Ottawa the tech sector has had its ups and downs, he said he's satisfied he's leaving the city in good shape

"We are getting better at taking ideas out of people's heads and off lab benches and getting them to entrepreneurs and they take them and make money and create jobs. It has been a great ride."

Dale says he has no immediate plans for his own future.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Paul Brent