Sir Ken Morrison should quit his role as executive director of the supermarket chain Morrisons for the good of the company's future, experts said.

An announcement on who will succeed chief executive Bob Stott is expected at the company's annual general meeting this Thursday and speculation is rife in the industry that Sir Ken may also chose the occasion to map out the timetable for his departure.

The 74-year-old's future has been the subject of speculation for months following the downturn in the supermarket's profitability.

The Bradford-based firm was due to hold a board meeting today and the issue could well be top of the agenda.

Rob Kilner, of stockbrokers Redmayne Bentley said that it would be in the company's best interests if both Sir Ken and Mr Stott put an end to discussions over their futures.

Mr Kilner said: "The market has wanted this information for some time.

"The company knows themselves they have to do something to keep their investors happy but they have been very single-minded on the issue.

"A change in management will make them a more attractive proposition for the city and any news will be good news."

His sentiments were echoed by Julian Hunt, editor of the Grocer magazine, who said: "It would be for the best if we at least were given an indication of what is going to happen at Thursday's AGM. The uncertainty is good for no-one.

"It all hinges on who gets the chief executive's job really which we are still unsure about. After that we need to know what is happening with Sir Ken and whether he is to take on more of an ambassador's role with the company."

A report in a Sunday newspaper suggested that deputy chairman David Jones was keen for Sir Ken to use Thursday's AGM to announce plans to step down next year.

Among those linked with the former chief executive's role are Alliance UniChem chief executive Ian Meakins, Heineken chief operating officer Marc Bolland, and president of Wal Mart Germany David Wild.

A Morrisons spokesman declined to comment on the future of either men, or state whether an announcement would be made at Thursday's AGM.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk