Veteran trade unionist Sir Bill Connor, general secretary of Usdaw, will retire next May after seven years at the top of the shopworkers' union.
He is seen by many in the retail industry as the man who modernised the union and strengthened its relationship with members, store groups and the government.
Connor said that highlights during his tenure have included the launch of the Lifelong Learning programme to teach shopworkers everything from computer skills to foreign languages, and the Freedom From Fear campaign against abuse of shopworkers.
He has led Usdaw in lobbying against Christmas Day trading and the minimum wage for under-18s. Usdaw has also developed important partnerships with retail giants such as Tesco.
In Connor's time, Usdaw's membership has increased by 40,000 to 323,000, but he believes that there is scope for even more growth.
'I think we could grow to half a million members in retail and (an additional) 200,000 from general industry,' he said.
Connor added that he had 'mixed emotions' about leaving, but said that Usdaw is in good shape to move forward in the future.
The union's members will vote for a replacement by postal ballot. Usdaw deputy general secretary John Hannett is seen by many as favourite to take over the role.
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