Jim Cane, managing director of the £300m Young's Seafood business, is to retire early next year.
When Young's Seafood's parent company, Foodvest, was bought by Lion Capital in July, it provided a "natural window to hand over the reins", Cane claimed.
"I made the decision some time ago to retire when the opportunity arose," said the 56-year-old. "I've really enjoyed my time at Young's, particularly the past 12 months when the brand has grown by an incredible 20%.
"After so long in a demanding and challenging industry, I will be taking a well-earned rest, and continue to eat lots of seafood and drink lots of fine wine."
Cane joined Young's Seafood in early 2000 as commercial director, having completed the successful sale of UB's Frozen & Chilled business to Heinz.
He has played a leading role in the rapid development of Young's, which now employs 2,000 staff, and was made MD in January this year.
Under his leadership, Young's Seafood has taken the lead in sustainable sourcing.
He has also guided the company through several private equity buy-outs. "We've had a great time and fantastic success with all three backers," Cane said. " I have loved Young's and I have worked with a lot of very good people." Young's success has helped establish Foodvest as one of Europe's leading food businesses.
"We will be very sad to see Jim go," said Per Harkjaer, chief executive of Foodvest. "He has made a major contribution to the business. I have been aware for some time of his wish to step down when the time was right and I fully understand his decision.
"The search is currently under way for Jim's successor," he added.
Cane, who is a veteran of the grocery industry with 35 years of experience, said he was looking forward to retirement. "I'm leaving behind a great team and a business that's well positioned for the future and, anyway, it's now or never if I'm going to sort out my golf and get on the Seniors Tour," he added.
When Young's Seafood's parent company, Foodvest, was bought by Lion Capital in July, it provided a "natural window to hand over the reins", Cane claimed.
"I made the decision some time ago to retire when the opportunity arose," said the 56-year-old. "I've really enjoyed my time at Young's, particularly the past 12 months when the brand has grown by an incredible 20%.
"After so long in a demanding and challenging industry, I will be taking a well-earned rest, and continue to eat lots of seafood and drink lots of fine wine."
Cane joined Young's Seafood in early 2000 as commercial director, having completed the successful sale of UB's Frozen & Chilled business to Heinz.
He has played a leading role in the rapid development of Young's, which now employs 2,000 staff, and was made MD in January this year.
Under his leadership, Young's Seafood has taken the lead in sustainable sourcing.
He has also guided the company through several private equity buy-outs. "We've had a great time and fantastic success with all three backers," Cane said. " I have loved Young's and I have worked with a lot of very good people." Young's success has helped establish Foodvest as one of Europe's leading food businesses.
"We will be very sad to see Jim go," said Per Harkjaer, chief executive of Foodvest. "He has made a major contribution to the business. I have been aware for some time of his wish to step down when the time was right and I fully understand his decision.
"The search is currently under way for Jim's successor," he added.
Cane, who is a veteran of the grocery industry with 35 years of experience, said he was looking forward to retirement. "I'm leaving behind a great team and a business that's well positioned for the future and, anyway, it's now or never if I'm going to sort out my golf and get on the Seniors Tour," he added.
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