Jason Jobling has stepped down as director and chief operating officer at Warrens Bakery.

He is leaving after 25 years with the company, having joined when aged 14, working his way through the ranks to become director in late 2012.

Stakeholder Provenance Brands, which also partners Cornish Sea Salt Co and Great British Crisp Company among others, said it had the “strength and depth” across its group in production, operations and NPD to absorb the role in the near-term.

“Very sadly, Jason has decided to leave our business after over 25 years. He feels that it’s the time for him to grow and accept new challenges, which we wholeheartedly support and admire,” said a spokesperson for Provenance Brands.

“Jason has been instrumental in the development of Warrens Bakery and we are incredibly sad that he is no longer going to remain as part of our daily team. However, he will still be working with us periodically on projects on a freelance basis.”

During Jobling’s time at the business, Warrens Bakery has grown substantially, with an expanding estate of company-owned and franchised shops. It also secured a Baking Industry Award in 2018 for Craft Bakery Business of the Year thanks to its growth and marketing strategies.

However, it has faced difficulties over the past year or so, which saw the company undertake a major restructure, including shutting 22 company-managed shops and closing its factory in St Just. This culminated in it agreeing a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) with suppliers and landlords in January 2020, enabling Warrens to negotiate the repayment of its debt and focus on growth.