Chinese Internet gaming operator The9 Limited (NCTY) says its chief financial officer and senior vice president Hannah Lee's will resign at the end of February 2008.

The9 says it has begun a search for a new chief financial officer, and expects to announce the appointment of an acting chief financial officer prior to Lee's departure.

Jun Zhu, chairman and chief executive officer of The9 said, "Hannah has been with us since before The9 went public in 2004. Over the years, she has played a vital role in transforming our company into a highly regarded US- listed public company with substantially improved financial reporting and internal control systems. We want to thank Hannah for her many contributions to The9 and wish her all the best in her future endeavors."