Les Herr will be leaving his position as president and CEO of Kingston, Ont.-based Empire Life Insurance Co. effective May 30, the company announced Wednesday.

Herr joined Empire Life in 1999 and has served as president and CEO for the past six years.

The search for a successor is underway and the Empire Life Board expects a smooth transition.

Herr will continue to provide advice to the board and the new president and CEO following his departure in May. He will also step down from his role as chairman of the Board for Empire Life Investments Inc., a subsidiary of Empire Life, effective May 30.