Rae has been at the helm of the organisation for five years and has overseen an expansion in membership to more than 32,500 retailers. The ACS has become increasingly prominent as the voice of independent retailers in the UK, successfully campaigning for the Office of Fair Trading to refer the grocery market to the Competition Commission.
Earlier this month, Rae sent a letter to Secretary of State Alan Johnson lobbying against a relaxation in the Sunday trading laws for larger retailers.
Rae said: 'I have had a great five years as chief executive with ACS and looking back on this time I believe the organisation has achieved a great deal. I know that I leave ACS in a healthy position to move forward.'
The organisation will begin its search for a new chief executive after a board meeting on May 16. It is hoped the chief executive will be in place before Rae steps down, to ensure a smooth transition.
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