The Body Shop chief executive Charles Denton has stepped down after almost a year at the vegan beauty chain.

Denton was drafted in last September by the retailer’s new owner Auréa to lead a turnaround of the business, after it rescued the chain from administration.

He will be succeeded by executive chairman Mike Jatania, one of the investors behind Auréa, WWD reported.

Denton’s exit follows a year of “stabilisation and renewal” for The Body Shop and is a “natural inflection point in the business’ progress”, a spokesperson for the investor group told the publication.

Jatania said: “The Body Shop is a brand with an extraordinary pioneering heritage and remarkable potential. As we look ahead to its 50th anniversary, we remain proud of its legacy as a leader and changemaker, and we are excited about the opportunity to carry that energy and ethos into the next phase.

“Under Charles’ leadership we have stabilized the business, and we launch into the next chapter from a position of strength.

“I am looking forward to working even more closely with the team to accelerate growth, serve our customers with renewed purpose, and ensure the brand stays relevant to both existing and future generations.”

Denton added that “it’s been a privilege to help set The Body Shop back on course and to play a part in shaping its revival”.

“I want to thank the team for their extraordinary commitment, and I leave knowing the business is in good hands for the journey ahead,” he continued.

The retailer reported last year that it had returned to profit during its first 100 days under new ownership, with sales hitting £28m during the period.

Denton told The Body Shop staff at the time that the chain was “back for good” after it made £2m in over three months since its collapse.

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