According to freshinfo sources, Geest chief executive officer Gareth Voyle resigned yesterday, a year to the day since the UK’s leading fresh prepared foods and produce company was taken over by Icelandic firm Bakkavor.

The insider said that Voyle was on a 12-month contract, with a view to renewal. Bakkavor cut out a large layer of senior management at Geest earlier this year, in a move designed to increase efficiency, but it is thought that Voyle has decided to pursue other options.

Freshinfo contacted Geest today [Friday] but no-one was available for comment.