Laura Cha, a former top executive with Hong Kong's financial regulator, has left her position as the Vice-Chair of the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission, which oversees the mainland's stock market.

Ms Cha, whose departure was confirmed in a report by the official Xinhua news agency, made history in early 2003 by being the first high-ranking official to be hired from Hong Kong.

Her appointment was strongly supported by then-chairman Zhou Xiaochuan who wanted to introduce reform-minded members to the state body.

Ms Cha, previously the Vice-Chair of Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission, earned the nickname "iron lady" in China for her commitment towards improving governance among Chinese listed companies.

But her tenure was also met with heavy criticism from investors, who were disappointed that regulatory improvements had failed to lift one of the region's least successful markets.

The reason for her departure remains unclear though there are reports that she has been eager to return to Hong Kong for family reasons after staying in Beijing beyond an intended two-year term.

(Xinhua)

tenure: the term during which some position is held（任期）