A long-serving director and chief executive of a West Midlands engineering group is to retire.

Nigel Stein will step down from his role with GKN at the end of the year and leave the board of the listed group in March.

Redditch-based GKN is a global engineering business which designs, manufactures and services systems and components for most of the world's leading aircraft, vehicle and machinery manufacturers.

Mr Stein joined GKN in 1994 and became a board director in 2001.

During his 16 years on the board, he held the roles of group finance director and chief executive automotive before being appointed chief executive in January 2012.

Kevin Cummings, currently chief executive of the aerospace division, will succeed him as chief executive in January.

Mr Cummings joined GKN Aerospace in North America in 2008.

He stepped up to the role of chief executive aerospace in January 2014 and was appointed to the board two years later.

In addition, Adam Walker, group finance director since February 2014, has decided to leave GKN to take up an opportunity outside of the engineering sector.

Mr Walker will step down from the board before the year end, following a handover to his successor Jos Sclater.

Chairman Mike Turner told the London Stock Exchange today: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Nigel for the significant contribution that he has made to GKN.

"During his tenure as chief executive, Nigel has overseen the transformation of the group, greatly expanding the aerospace division and moving Driveline into electric drive.

"He has been instrumental in GKN's substantial growth. I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Nigel and I'm sure I speak for everyone in wishing him every success for the future.

"Kevin was key to the successful acquisition of Fokker. His contribution since being appointed to the board has been substantial and I am sure he will be an excellent successor to Nigel."