Roddick quits as Body Shop chief

High-profile Body Shop founder Anita Roddick is stepping down as chief executive as part of a fundamental shake-up of the company.

Anita Roddick founded the ethical cosmetics chain in 1976

She will be replaced in July, after 22 years at the helm, by Patrick Gournay, executive vice-president of food company Groupe Danone's North and South American division.

Mrs Roddick, 55, who launched the ethical cosmetics store chain in 1976 with a shop in Brighton and took the company to multi-national status, will share the role of co-chairman with husband Gordon.

The company also announced plans to form a US joint venture with American shops group Bellamy Retail to turn around its loss-making business on the other side of the Atlantic.

Bellamy will pay £625,000 for options to buy around half the company.

In a statement, Gordon Roddick said these moves followed a major review of the business, which has faced increasing competition in the UK and US.

The chain faces increasing competition in the UK and US

"The proposed joint venture in the USA and the senior management changes ... signal the first stages of a plan that will define the future of the Body Shop," he added.

He said it would be challenging for the group to develop its brand and strategic aims without losing its philosophy and business ethics.

The Body Shop made its announcements while unveiling pre-tax profits in the year to February 28 of £38m, up from £31.7m last year. Turnover increased from £106.1m to £116.2m.

Shareholders will pick up a total dividend of 5.6p a share, up from 4.7p last time.