Allied Bakeries Ireland MD Alan Hempton has retired after a 45-year career with the company.

Peter Henry is expected to take over the Irish arm of Allied, which produces Kingsmill, working at general manager level.

Hempton joined ABI as an apprentice at 16, took over as general manager in 1979 and was appointed MD in 1987. Under his reign, the company began exporting to the Republic of Ireland in 1991 and the UK mainland in 1998.

"He has been a great leader in the industry for many years," said George Weston, chief executive of parent company ABF.