Greencore’s chief operating officer Di Walker is leaving after nine years at the company.

Greencore said it would not be seeking a replacement for Walker, who joined the company in 2004 as MD of its chilled sauce and soups category.

She will step down as COO and director from 24 May but stay on at the company until September to ensure a smooth transition to the new, slimmed-down management structure.

Greencore praised the “instrumental role” Walker had played in the changes at the company over the past 18 months, including the integration of Uniq and International Cuisine and the growth of the US business.

“Di has made an enormous contribution to the company over many years.  Her passion, resilience, tight cost focus and deep food industry experience have all been invaluable and we wish Di the best for her future endeavours,” said Greencore CEO Patrick Coveney.