Brian Stein will step down as CEO of UK own-label manufacturer and Ginsters pasties owner Samworth Brothers at the end of the month.

Samworth director Lindsay Pownall will replace Stein, who has been chief executive since 1999.

Stein joined Samworth from Northern Foods in 1995 and became CEO four years later. The company, run by John and David Samworth, was formed through acquisitions in the 1970s (Ginsters), 1980s (pork pie maker Walker & Son) and 1990s (a second pork pie firm, Dickinson & Morris).

A decade ago, Samworth decided to diversify its portfolio to become a broader, chilled food producer. The company now also supplies salads, sandwiches, ready meals and desserts and supplies Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer.