Ralph Bernard is to step down as chief executive of GCap as soon as a replacement is appointed, the radio group has announced.

Bernard has served as chief executive at GCap and GWR, one of its pre-merger constituents, for 25 years.

He will stay with the company as chairman of Classic FM and Digital One.

In a statement, Bernard said: "25 years is a long time to head up a company and having been at the heart of commercial radio's growth over the years, the time is right to step down as Chief Executive.

"This a pivotal time for the industry, further consolidation is likely, new entrants are coming to the market and a host of opportunities are opening up on other platforms. In addition, both Ofcom and DCMS are looking closely at the future of radio and both have made encouraging statements about future regulation and development. Having taken the Group and the industry to this point, I feel that now is the time for a new Chief Executive to face the new challenges and opportunities ahead."