Long-standing group managing director of Patak's, David Page, is leaving the company at the end of the month.

Page has worked at the family-owned Indian food company for 16 years and has overseen its expansion from a medium-sized company making sauces and pickles to an £80m business spanning three continents and employing 650 staff. Patak's now encompasses four divisions - foods, breads, chilled and frozen.

Page was the first non-family director at Patak's when he was appointed in May 1991. Prior to joining the company, he was the UK managing director for The Campbell Soup Company and held senior positions with engineering company GKN and threadmaking company Coats Viyella.

"David has been a close colleague and friend to the Pathak family and he will be missed by all of us," said Kirit Pathak, chairman and chief executive. "His management experience and food background have helped us to realise our vision for Indian foods globally."

Patak's management team has been restructured and strengthened over the past 12 months in preparation for his departure.

Page, who is to announce his future plans at a later date, will not be replaced as managing director and his role will be shared out.

Group director of commercial and general manager for foods and breads, Jonathan Bye, has taken responsibility for the Patak's foods and breads businesses. He joined the company in February 2000 as director of UK sales and took up his current post with responsibility for sales and product development in January last year.

Group director of operations and general manager for chilled and frozen, Sean Kenny will lead the chilled and frozen businesses. He has worked at Patak's for 10 years, initially as financial controller.