Landmark Wholesale is in the process of choosing a new managing director to replace Martin Williams, who will leave at the end of December after 33 years with the group.

Williams (pictured) had been trading director of the Milton Keynes-based concern for five years before replacing Mike McGee as MD 14 years ago.

Referring to his departure, a Landmark spokesman said: “We didn’t want him to leave, but respect his decision. He leaves with our very best wishes for his future career.”

Williams’ departure comes a year after that of the group’s business development director Chris Doyle – a role that has not been directly refilled.

Landmark also recently saw the demise of member Turners Fine Foods, which had depots at Goudhurst, near Tonbridge, Kent, Christchurch in Dorset and Earby, Lancs.

Williams, who earlier this year announced that he would be stepping down as chairman of the FWD – a role in which he has been serving a second two-year term – is likely to be replaced in this post by vice-chairman Andrew Selley, Booker Foodservice chief executive.

When Williams leaves Landmark, the only remaining central office board members will be trading director John Searle and finance director Andrew Thewlis. If it is decided not to choose a replacement from outside the group, then Searle is the favourite to replace Williams. In his second term with Landmark, he was originally trading controller from 1990-95, rejoining the group in 2002.

Meanwhile, there is some speculation in the trade that Landmark will merge with another buying group. However, Williams insisted that there are “absolutely no talks taking place about a merger between Landmark and Sugro”.

Landmark (01908) 255300