Robert Bartlett has confirmed on social media that he has left his job as group CEO at Chestertons.

In a post on Linked In, where his profile is now headed “Gone Skiing”, Bartlett says that he is currently on sabbatical and likely to be found in the Alps.

The post adds: “Previously Group CEO at Chestertons.”

Bartlett, CEO since 2006, is succeeded by Allan Collins, formerly chief finance officer.

Bartlett remains a director of Agents’ Mutual.

Chestertons, a sister company of Humberts, is majority owned by Mercantile Group.

Rumours persist that Chestertons could be up for sale again.

It was put up for sale in 2014 with a price tag said to be £50m. According to reports, there were three good offers, apparently over the asking price.

However, in 2015 it was announced that the sale was abandoned, with it being off the agenda “for two to three years”, according to Bartlett.