Facebook ANZ boss unfriends gig

Facebook downunder is without a leader following the announcement that after less than three years in the country, Facebook Australia and New Zealand leader Paul Borrud will leave the house of Zuckerberg next month.

In an unexpected move, Borrud has also told Australia's Ad News that he would be staying in Australia to pursue “personal interests.”

Facebook said in a statement, “Paul has played a major role in the growth of Facebook’s advertising and sales business, starting in the United States. Facebook is currently recruiting for the position. Paul will continue with Facebook until mid-February.”

The US executive was an early staffer in Facebook's inner sanctum, hired by Zuckerberg himself.

Borrud was hand picked to open the Australian office, which also includes New Zealand in its remit, in 2009. Facebook in Australia claims 10.3 million members, ranking it as the company's number 17 territory globally.

Australians still spent more time on Facebook than any other country, averaging 7.5 hours per month, with 53 percent of users being female.

Borrud said in a statement, “Facebook has been an amazing ride, from our early days as a start-up through to moving to Sydney and making Australia home.” ®