Deliveroo founder Will Shu is to step down as chief executive once the company’s takeover by US rival DoorDash is completed, the food delivery firm confirmed today.

Shu, who launched the rapid food delivery service in 2013, will remain in post until the scheme of arrangement with DoorDash becomes effective.

Reflecting on his decision in a company announcement, Shu said: “I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down.

“Taking Deliveroo from being an idea to what it is today has been amazing. Today the Company’s growth and profitability are accelerating and we are delivering on our mission to transform the way people shop and eat, but after 13 years I want to contemplate my next challenge.

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He added that the business was now accelerating in both growth and profitability, and praised staff, riders, partners and investors for their role in the company’s journey.

“I’m super proud of everything we have achieved. We pioneered and then redefined a new category,” Shu said. “This is the start of a new chapter for the Company and great things lie ahead.”

Claudia Arney, chair of Deliveroo, paid tribute to Shu’s “remarkable contribution”, calling him “an incredible innovator” who built “a British success story that has had a hugely positive impact on the way we eat and shop”.

Deliveroo confirmed that its entire non-executive director team, including Arney, would also step down once the DoorDash deal closes, marking the start of what it called “a new era” for the company under its new ownership.