Garden Centre Group chief executive and veteran of the industry Nicholas Marshall has stepped down from his post after four years.

The search for a new boss has begun. In the interim, chairman Stephen Murphy will assume responsibility of the chief executive role until the board finds a replacement.

Marshall’s departure comes after The Garden Centre Group, formerly known as Wyevale, was acquired by private equity firm Terra Firma in March.

Murphy said: “The Board would like to thank Nicholas for his significant contribution to the company.

“Under Nicholas’ leadership over the last four years, The Garden Centre Group has established itself as the garden centre market leader in the UK with a high quality horticultural offering in 129 garden centres across England and Wales. It has also expanded its restaurant and concession businesses to be major contributors across the estate.”

It is not known why Marshall departed.

Marshall was appointed chief executive of Wyevale in 2008. Under his leadership the business refinanced and rebranded to Garden Centre Group in 2009.