Naked Wines founder Rowan Gormley is stepping down from the business, following the launch of its new strategic plan.

Gormley is departing from the alcohol retailer as its non-executive chairman and director of the company with immediate effect.

Senior independent director Deidre Runnette is set to take over the role of non-executive chairman on an interim basis until a successor is hired.

Naked Wines CEO Rodrigo Maza said: “Rowan’s knowledge and experience of the wine industry, and Naked as a business, has been instrumental in helping us stabilize the business and position ourselves for growth.

“We are thankful for his leadership and guidance and are committed to realizing the potential of the amazing opportunity ahead.”

Runnette added: “On behalf of the board I wish to thank Rowan for his commitment and contribution to Naked over many years.

“His leadership ensured Naked emerged from a challenging period in a healthy position and with a new and strengthened management team. We wish him every success for the future.”

The departure comes after the retailer named Dominic Neary as its new CFO in August, who joined from workplace training consultants Mind Gym.

In December, the business posted narrowing losses despite a fall in sales in its half year results, as it insisted it was in “a better position, both financially and strategically”.

The online wine merchant pulled in a pre-tax loss of £5.6m in the 26 weeks to 30 September, down from the £9.7m loss it reported last year, as it continued to make progress with its turnaround plan.

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