HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has announced plans to step down after six years in the position.

A statement Saturday says Joe Conti will retire Feb. 2 “to pursue future opportunities in higher education and the private sector.”

Conti was appointed to the position in December 2006. During his tenure, the statement said, the agency reorganized, launched a major rebranding initiative, upgraded business technology systems and instituted professional development opportunities for staff to assist wine and spirit consumers.

Conti is to stay on temporarily to help with the transition.

Gov. Corbett has recently been talking up a favorite idea, privatization of state liquor stores — an effort that The Philadelphia Inquirer says could allow beer and wine sales in convenience stores, groceries and other outlets.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)