BAKERY chain Greggs has announced that Sir Michael Darrington will retire from his position as group managing director after almost 25 years in the role.
Ken McMeikan has been appointed chief executive of the group.
Mr McMeikan, 42, who is retail director of Sainsbury's, will join the board on June 1.
He joined Sainsbury's in 2005 after a short period as chief executive of Tesco Japan.
He had spent 14 years with Tesco, becoming chief executive of the Europa Foods convenience store business following its acquisition in 2002, with responsibility for its integration into Tesco Express.
Sir Michael will retire from his full-time position at the end of July.
He joined the business in July 1983 and became managing director the following January.
He will remain on the board of Greggs as a non-executive director.
Sir Michael said: "I am really pleased to be handing on my executive responsibilities at Greggs to someone who fully understands and shares the unique values of the business, and possesses the right people skills to implement the next phase of our strategy.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article