SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Michael Graydon has resigned as president and CEO of Mega Group to take a similar post at the British Columbia Lottery Corp.

He will be succeeded at Mega by Benoit Simard, who has been the retail buying group’s executive vice president of retail.

Graydon will leave the post he has held for the past seven years on March 30.

“In talking to Michael I know this was a very difficult and emotional decision for him,” Jacques Maheu, chairman of Mega’s board of directors, said in a letter to suppliers. “He continues to have a passion for our business rarely seen in any organization. Since joining us in 2001 he has truly been the voice and face of Mega. His visionary talents, sales foresight, ability to engage and mentor talented people have led Mega to consecutive unprecedented sales results and recognitions far beyond our expectations.”

Simard has been at Mega for 13 years and worked in retail before joining the group.

“Most recently, he has excelled in his executive vice president role, making a significant contribution to the strategic planning for the company and heading such initiatives as Brand Source, retail systems, merchandising, sales and overall responsibility for the Boucherville and Mississauga offices,” Maheu said. He said Simard “has solid leadership skills and has earned the respect and support of the staff and retailers.”