A member of the family-owned supermarket chain dynasty Booths has left the company after 44 years.

Simon Booth, who was supply chain director, non-executive director and member of the Booth’s separate Family Board of Directors, stepped down at the company’s AGM last week, the company confirmed.

Mr Booth joined the business in 1975, joining the Family Board of Directors in 1984 and the company’s Operating Board in 1998 – clocking up a total of 35 years as a director for the high-end Preston-headquartered supermarket chain.

He remains a shareholder of the company.

During his tenure, the company has undergone a significant expansion, and has stores in Kendal, Ulverston, Windermere, Keswick, Penrith, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe in Cumbria.

Mr Booth’s roles included overseeing the development of the company’s fresh food packing and production department and, latterly, its central distribution.

In a statement, the company said: “The board wishes to thank Simon for his support and contributions to both the board and the company as a whole over a career spanning 44 years.”

Booths was founded as E.H. Booth & Co. Ltd by Edwin Henry Booth in Skipton in 1847. It now has almost 30 stores across the north of England.