Adams chief executive David Carter-Johnson is stepping down from the childrenswear specialist.

He will leave the retailer at the end of the month to pursue non-executive roles.

Carter-Johnson joined Adams when chairman John Shannon bought the group out of administration in February 2007. Carter-Johnson had previously been managing director of Adams for almost ten years until 1991.

Adams fell into administration again on New Year’s Eve and Shannon bought back the brand and remaining 120 stores.

Carter-Johnson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my two and a half years at Adams although it’s been challenging and not without difficulties. A great deal has been achieved re-positioning the brand and improving the product. I leave behind a strong management team and a profitable business poised for growth.”