One of NSW's highest-paid public servants is quitting his role as senior UK trade chief, months after an inquiry scrutinising controversial appointments to overseas posts.
NSW Agent-General to London Stephen Cartwright said it was with "mixed emotions" he had chosen to end his posting at the end of the month.
"After two years as the NSW Government's representative in London, I am returning to Sydney to take up a new role in the private sector where my skills, experience, leadership capability and business acumen will be fully appreciated," Mr Cartwright said in a LinkedIn post on Friday evening.
"Despite some distractions during my term, I remain very proud of what has been achieved."
Mr Cartwright's appointment to the lucrative trade position was scrutinised during a parliamentary inquiry late last year.
The inquiry came about after it emerged the former Business NSW executive sought a salary of $800,000 - almost double the initial offering - and landed the role despite being ranked below other candidates.
After tense and protracted contract negotiations, Mr Cartwright eventually accepted a base salary of $487,000 with $113,000 in perks, earning more than the state's five other trade commissioners.
Mr Cartwright originally said that upon arriving in London the $600,000 salary package would not be enough for him to live on and support his family in the UK capital.
In February 2022, the state also agreed to pay his rent, expected to cost taxpayers $105,000.
By June, he began requesting financial help for his children's school fees.
Mr Cartwright denied trying to justify retrospectively the lucrative salary package.
In his resignation announcement on Friday, he said he originally accepted the role in order to "continue with the vital mission" of "supporting the economic success of NSW".
Mr Cartwright said it had been a privilege to represent NSW but he looked forward "to the next exciting chapter".
