WHOEVER steps up to the plate to become boss of Destination Tweed will have some pretty big shoes to fill.

Tourism guru Phil Villiers told the Daily News he would be resigning from the top job as chief executive officer at the end of the year, much to the dismay of the Tweed business community.

Mr Villiers has headed tourism and business in the Tweed and Northern Rivers area for more than three years providing an endless supply of networking opportunities and helpful advice to local businesses.

But he's chasing a new position that should see him working in the southern Gold Coast region next year.

Mr Villiers said he would continue in his role as Destination Tweed CEO until a replacement had been recruited and trained.

"We're trying to make sure there'll be a smooth transition process," Mr Villiers said.

"A new opportunity has bubbled into fruition but I'll still be within the southern Gold Coast area."

Businessman and Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rory Curtis said Mr Villiers had made a valuable contribution to boosting the profile of Tweed business.

Murwillumbah and District Business Chamber president Toni Zuschke said Mr Villiers had always been supportive of the chamber and was "well liked and well connected."

The Destination Tweed board is in the process of recruiting a new CEO.