Ben Gordon, a former chief executive of retailer Mothercare, joined the PLC’s board four years ago. He has given notice of his intention to resign, effective as of 30 November when St Ives holds its AGM.

Gordon sat on the group’s audit, remuneration and nomination committees, alongside fellow independent non-executive directors Mike Butterworth, Nigel Pocklington and Helen Stevenson.

In a statement, the St Ives board thanked Gordon for his valuable contribution to the business during his time as a director.

St Ives would not comment on whether he would be replaced, or not.

The group has undergone a tumultuous period since the spring of 2016, including three profits warnings and a strategic review that could result in the divestment of its printing operations.

It will release its financial results for the year-ending 28 July at the beginning of October.

Its most recent trading update was more positive, and it said results were likely to be ahead of expectations. 

The group’s share price is currently at a three-month high of 71.50p, having recovered from an all-time-low of less than 40p over the summer.