Chinese software firm Ninetowns (NINE) has announced a change in the company's senior management.

Eric Ho, who joined Ninetowns as Chief Strategy Officer in 2004, is leaving the company effective on March 16, 2007 to spend more time with his family and to pursue other interests.

"Eric has played an important role in our success in the past, building both our Investor Relations practice and our strategic planning team," said Shuang Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Ninetowns, "Eric has been a valued colleague and a close friend, and while I am sorry to see him leave, I understand his decision to seek a new challenge and I wish him the very best."

"Ninetowns has been a great platform for my professional development and I am grateful for having been a part of the Ninetowns story from a private company to a publicly listed company. Ninetowns is a strong company with a proven business and great long-term prospects. I am confident that I will leave the business in good hands that will ensure the future success of our clients, partners and employees," said Eric Ho, Chief Strategy Officer of Ninetowns.