Conrad Clifford has made a surprise exit from his position as chief executive with Monarch Group.

Clifford had been in the position for just a single year, during which time the Monarch Airlines was remodelled from a charter operation to a scheduled flight business.

While stating the search for a successor was “well underway”, Monarch said chairman Iain Rawlinson will take over responsibility for the day to day running of the group.

Clifford joined Monarch from Emirates in December 2010, where he was UK and Ireland vice-president.

He had previously run Virgin Nigeria Airways.