Warburtons managing director Robert Higginson has left the business, just months after the departure of marketing director Richard Hayes.

After 11 years at Warburtons, including six as MD, Higginson has moved on to “pursue other interests”.

The departure was a joint decision, Warburtons said. “The business and Robert Higginson have agreed it is time for a change. We would like to thank Robert for his commitment to the business and we wish him all the best for the future.”

As Warburtons begins the process of recruiting for a new MD, chairman Jonathan Warburton will step in to lead the business, supported by executive directors Ross and Brett Warburton.

The change at the top follows a number of movers in Warburtons’ senior management team.

Marketing director Richard Hayes left the baker earlier this year, at the same time as the company launched its biggest-ever marketing push. The £8.2m campaign was launched in February to showcase the tastiness and range of its breakfast options. Hayes had spent five years at Warburtons.

In January, the company also recruited Sue Yell as HR director from Iceland, and Northern Foods’ group procurement director Alex Mayfield as business solutions director.

Warburtons hinted the shake-up could mark a new strategic direction for the business.

“We need to renew our drive for growth and assess our capabilities as a business,” the company said.

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