Create founder Richard Groves to leave the business

Richard Groves, the founder of event caterer Create, has announced his decision to step down from his role as operations director at business owner Concerto.

Groves, who founded the his business as Richard Groves Catering in 1986 before later rebranding as Create in 2002, said he had been thinking about the next steps in his career for some time.

"Now feels the right time to move on. TA [Concerto chief executive Teresa-Anne Dunleavy] and I have been talking for over a year and we have together agreed on the timings of my departure.

"The decision allows me the flexibility to consider varying lifestyle options for my young family and whether we remain in central London or consider a move out.

"After 14 years with the group, it is both a sad decision but also an exciting time for me. I continue as a Concerto shareholder and have the business's best interests at heart."

Dunleavy added: "We will be sad to see Richard go, but absolutely understand his reasons and wish him the very best. He will always be a friend and a welcome face for all at Concerto."

Oliver Barnett, who previously worked under Groves in operations for eight years, will return to Create to take on the role of operations director. He joins from Vintage Cellars where he has spent the last three years in senior sales and operations roles.

Create managing director Caroline Gardiner will also leave the business later in the year, to take on new catering projects. An announcement on the new head of Create will be made in the coming weeks.