Hilton Foods has announced Steve Murrells is leaving his role as chief executive officer, effective immediately.

The business stated that the decision was mutually agreed upon, with the decision made to allow the company to appoint a new leader.

Murrells will continue to be available at the business for a period of transitional support until the end of this year.

Murrells said: “Hilton Foods is a great business, and I have been privileged to serve as its CEO.

“I’m particularly proud of the progress we have made in significantly expanding our international operations, most notably the expansion into Canada and Saudi Arabia. I would like to thank the Group’s hard-working, dedicated people and wish them and the business all the best for the future.”

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Murrells joined the food manufacturer as CEO in July 2023 and was previously the CEO of convenience store retailer Co-op.

Following his departure, Mark Allen, the non-executive chair, has been named executive chair. He will lead the company as the board actively searches for a CEO successor.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Steve for his important contribution to the Group, and we wish him well for the future,” said Allen.

“The business has recently had issues with inflationary pressures and expects a challenging trading period in the upcoming period, based on its latest financial guidance.