Altrincham-based car dealership Lookers plc said on Monday that interim chief financial officer Anna Bielby will leave the firm next month and that it has asked Phil White to extend his tenure as chairman while it continues a search for his successor.

“Anna Bielby was appointed as a director and interim chief financial officer in January 2021 for an interim term of six months,” said Lookers.

“Since then she has made a valuable contribution to the group.

“She has agreed to extend her assignment and will leave the group at the end of July 2021 following finalisation of a number of key projects.

“Accordingly, Anna will not be seeking election as a director at this year’s AGM.

“The search continues for a successor to Phil White as chairman.

“In the interim, the board has asked Phil to remain as chair to ensure an orderly handover which the board believes is in the best interests of all stakeholders.

“Therefore, whilst previously announced that he will not be standing for re-election, Phil has now agreed to stand for re-election at this year’s AGM.

“The board would like to thank Phil for his resilient and clear leadership, particularly over the last 12 months as the group has resolved a number of legacy issues.

“As the group looks forward with renewed confidence, it will continue to update on progress with both the chairman and chief financial officer positions.”

The UK’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said on March 12 it commenced an investigation into the audits by Deloitte LLP of the financial statements of Lookers plc for the years ended December 2017 and 2018.