The non-executive chair of a Cumbrian based agricultural group is to stand down.

Engineering and agricultural group Carr’s said Chris Holmes would step down as non-executive chair of its board, and as a member, after its AGM in January 2020.

He will be standing for re-election at the group’s AGM on January 8 2019 and is expected to remain in the role for the following year while his successor is appointed.

In a statement the company said: “As part of its succession planning and in the light of recent changes to the corporate governance code, Chris Holmes has informed the board of his intention to step down as non-executive chairman and a member of the board at the conclusion of the AGM in January 2020. Accordingly, the board is initiating a search process which is being overseen by the nominations committee and led by the senior independent director, John Worby.”