Brian Carte has stepped down as chairman of publicly listed dealer group Caffyns.

The company said Carte has taken the decision on health grounds, and has retired with immediate effect.

He had served on the board as a non- executive director for 12 years, including the last five as chairman.

Non-executive director Brian Birkenhead has been chosen as Carte’s successor.

Until recently, Birkenhead was chairman of Caffyn’s audit committee.

Andrew Goodburn, now the senior independent non-executive director will become chairman of Caffyn’s audit committee.