(Telecompaper) New Zealand wholesale operator Chorus announced that its CEO Mark Ratcliffe gave notice of his intention to step down by the middle of next year. No reason for the decision was given, but Chorus said Ratcliffe would continue with full responsibilities as CEO for the next year while the company searches for a replacement. Ratcliffe said Chorus would continue to operate as business as usual. Ratcliffe led Chorus' separation from Telecom New Zealand and previously served as CEO of the wholesale arm when it was part of Telecom (now Spark).