Food retailer Crussh has started the search for a new CEO as Shane Kavanagh steps down.

Kavanagh is leaving to take on a new challenge after almost four years at the company.

The new leader must lead the brand on its next stage of development, said the firm.

While at Crussh Fit Food & Juice Bars, Kavanagh led it from a 28-store London high street business to an estate of 35, including its first sites outside London, in Birmingham and Bristol.

“With the prospect of rapid growth for our product supply business, we now have a fantastic opportunity to develop Crussh as a national and international FMCG brand, alongside our company-owned, franchise and concession stores,” said Jonathan Hart, executive chairman at Crussh.

“Crussh has the potential to significantly build on its leadership in the healthy food-to-go sector and we are looking forward to finding someone with the skills and experience to take Crussh onto this next exciting phase of our development.”

Kavanagh forged franchise partnerships with SSP and Sodexo, initiated an exclusive retail range with Sainsbury’s and introduced workplace catering in WeWork across London.

“Under Shane’s leadership, Crussh has successfully evolved a strategy of franchise, concession and product supply, which is now delivering significant results. In tandem with this, Shane has navigated the core business through the most turbulent times ever faced by London’s food-to-go marketplace,” added Hart.

Kavanagh leaves his role at the end of February and currently retains an advisory position while a new CEO is recruited.

Hart will lead the business and pick up responsibilities with the rest of the senior team in the meantime.