Rodney Hunt, a leading figure in wholesale, has stepped down from Today’s Group after more than 25 years with the wholesale buying group.

Hunt, who was managing director of Today’s from its formation in 1987 until 2009 when he moved over to the role of non-executive chairman, stepped down this week.

“I have enjoyed a long, enjoyable and very productive career with Today’s Group and I have made many good friends within the industry along the way,” he said. “I am proud to leave the business in great shape.”

Paying tribute to Hunt, MD Bill Laird added: “Rodney has been an excellent ambassador for the independent wholesale sector for over a quarter century. His personal contribution to the growth and development of Today’s Group, both as MD and more recently as chairman, has been outstanding.

“I would like to express my personal thanks for the support and wise counsel he has provided me during the last four years. We wish him every success for the future.”

Hunt will be replaced as chairman by Mark Windebank, MD and owner of Northern Irish wholesaler Savage & Witten.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Rodney as a fellow board member for almost eight years and I am very much looking forward to assuming the role of chairman,” he said.

“I am excited about our future even in this very competitive environment. We have highly entrepreneurial and forward-thinking members both on the board and across our wider membership.”