Guide Dogs chief executive Richard Leaman has announced he will step down at the end of the month after six years at the charity.

A statement by the charity said Leaman has led the charity through a “period of remarkable growth”, tripling the number of beneficiaries during his leadership and doubling income from £50m to over £100m over the past year.

Leaman said he was “exceptionally proud” of the charity’s achievements.

“I am particularly proud that Guide Dogs has gone from strength to strength, and is now extremely well positioned to continue to grow in the future,” he said. “I will be very sad to leave, and will always have a place in my heart for this wonderful charity and the amazing people who work, and volunteer, for it.”

The role will be filled by deputy chief executive, Steve Vaid, until a new permanent chief executive is recruited. A spokeswoman for the charity told Civil Society News its trustees will appoint a specialist agency to help them recruit a permanent replacement.

The charity’s chair Jamie Hambro said: “During Richard’s time as chief executive, Guide Dogs has grown dramatically and now changes the lives of more people than ever before.

“Today, the lives of nearly 5,000 guide dog owners, 1500 children and young people, 1,800 My Guide clients, and nearly 2,000 other adults are being transformed by Guide Dogs. The charity’s trustees are immensely grateful for his outstanding work, and wish him every success in in the future.”

A spokeswoman for the charity did not confirm Leaman's next move but said he will "take time to consider his options for the future before sharing his plans more widely".