Hodkinson, who joined as chairman in April 2004, said he is retiring to spend more time on other business interests.
He said: 'I have enjoyed my time with Ideal and leave the group in good shape and with a sound and solid platform to take full advantage of its many opportunities, as the digital TV revolution rolls out across the UK in the next few years.
'Having established that platform, the time has come for me to focus on other interests and I have informed the board that I will step down as soon as a new chairman is appointed or by August 1 at the latest.'
Ideal chief executive Andrew Fryatt said: 'While we understand that Jim now has other business commitments that require more of his time, on behalf of all of Ideal's employees, I would like to say that we are sorry to see him go and wish him well for the future. In the three years since Jim joined Ideal as chairman, there has been immense change in the business and we all thank him for his outstanding contribution to our company.'
Ideal Shopping Direct's profit last year was a record£7.4 million before exceptionals, on record sales of£85 million.
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