Snow + Rock Group chief executive Dion Taylor has stood down from the outdoors retailer after eight years.

Taylor remains an investor in the business, however, and will “remain associated with the business for the forseeable future”, the retailer said.

Chief finance officer Hamish Mansbridge will lead the business as interim chief executive until a replacement for Taylor is found.

In his tenure at Snow + Rock, Taylor grew the chain from eight shops to 43 and led the acquisition of cycle specialist Cycle Surgery and running specialist Runners Need.    

Taylor said: “During my 8 years leading the business I have been utterly passionate about building a world class brand, with great products, great people and great service.

“I have always been uncompromising about doing the very best for the business. And now it seems a good time to make a change. My job is done, and the time is right to hand over the reins of the company for the next phase of its growth.”

Chairman Neil McCausland added: “Dion has done a fabulous job of leading and building Snow+Rock for the last eight years.

“He is the most committed leader I have ever worked with, the board are hugely grateful for everything he has done.”