Household products supplier McBride has announced the retirement of the CEO, Chris Smith, after nearly twelve years in the business.

Smith’s formal six-month notice period has begun; however, he will remain in his role as CEO and retain his place on the board until mid-2027 to allow sufficient time to select his successor.

The business has started a recruitment process in partnership with an executive search firm to identify a successor who has the key skills, competencies and experience required for the role.

Further information about the appointment of Smith’s successor is set to be announced in the upcoming months.

Jeff Nodland, chairman, said: “Chris has served the company with distinction over the last twelve years, and, under his stewardship, the group has undergone significant change, becoming more focused and disciplined with a strong improvement in financial performance.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

“The board is enormously grateful for Chris’s contribution over the course of his tenure.”

Smith added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with McBride, and it has been a pleasure to work with my colleagues and the group’s customers, suppliers and other stakeholders and to steer the group to its significantly improved position.

“After almost twelve years, I consider this the appropriate time to step aside and pass the leadership of McBride to a new CEO, through an orderly succession and handover. Until then, I remain fully focused on strengthening our business and delivering the key projects under way.”

This comes after the business acquired two manufacturing facilities in August in partnership with global home care company Vestacy to scale distribution and production.