THE AA’s chief executive Chris Jansen has announced his resignation today.

The leading motoring organisation said Mr Jansen will resign from the board and following an orderly transition, will leave the company, headquartered at Fanum House, on Basing View.

Bob Mackenzie will lead the company as executive chairman.

Mr Jansen, who joined the company in January, said: "I was appointed by the previous private equity owners as the CEO to improve the business and to enable a change of ownership to take place. “Bob and his executive colleagues did a great job raising the finance to acquire the business and as a result my role has now changed substantially. “I have therefore agreed with Bob to find a new executive opportunity outside the AA.

“The AA is a fantastic brand and I have relished my time at the company."

Mr Mackenzie, said: "We completely understand and respect Chris's desire to seek new challenges outside the AA. “When the management Buy-In team acquired the business, backed by many leading institutional investors, we knew that this would create change at the AA. We wish Chris all the best and we are certain he will secure a new and equally significant role in the future."

Finance director Andy Boland is also to leave be the motoring organisation.