Sir David Rowe-Ham is to step down as chairman of Birmingham investment firm Arden Partners at the end of the year.

Arden (ARDN) has revealed to investors that Sir David, who has been chairman since July 2006 when Arden was admitted onto the Alternative Investment Market, would step down on December 31.

The board is considering candidates for his replacement and in the meantime Howard Flight will act as interim chairman.

In a statement, the firm said: “Sir David has been chairman since July 2006 when the company was admitted onto AIM and has helped guide Arden through the challenging market conditions of the last two years.

“He will leave Arden having established a cohesive business strategy together with a strong balance sheet and an expanding Indian franchise.

“The board would like to recognise Sir David’s significant contribution to Arden and wishes him a happy and healthy retirement.”

Sir David was given a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) in 1986 in recognition of a long list of achievements.

He has previously been chairman of Birmingham Municipal Bank from 1970 to 1972, sheriff of the City of London from 1984 to 1985 and Lord Mayor of London from 1986 to 1987.