GREGGS boss Ken McMeikan is to leave the company to take up a position as chief executive of a Kent-based catering group.

Mr McMeikan, who has been chief executive at the bakery chain since 2008, will remain in his role and as a board member while a successor is appointed, before moving to catering firm Brakes Group supplier to the foodservice sector in the UK, Ireland, France and Sweden.

Derek Netherton, chairman of Greggs, said “We are very grateful to Ken for the valuable contribution he has made to Greggs. He has led the company through the major changes that have put us in a strong position for the future with a clear strategy for growth in a difficult environment. We wish Ken well in his new role.”

Ken McMeikan, chief executive of the bakery firm, said: "It has been a great honour to lead Greggs since 2008. “It is a wonderful company with fantastic people and I am enormously proud of all that we have achieved together.

“ There are many exciting growth opportunities ahead for the business and the team are well placed to deliver them.”