Burrows Lightbourn Ltd managing director Richard Hartley, has retired.Mr Hartley has been in the post since 1985. The company says under his leadership, Burrows Lightbourn has grown into one of the most respected and successful local companies and one of the two largest wine, beer and spirit merchants.Mr Hartley’s retirement was originally scheduled to be effective at the end of the company’s financial year, January 31, 2013. However, due to a planned restructuring of the business, he has elected to step down now, allowing new management to be appointed.“I thank my colleagues for their tremendous support,” Mr Hartley said. “Together, for nearly 28 years, we have built a great business and we can be very proud of what has been achieved.“I have been fortunate to have worked with many industry professionals, representing some of the world’s most famous brands and I warmly thank all of them for their confidence in Burrows Lightbourn and its management team.”“Thanks to Richard Hartley, Burrows Lightbourn is well positioned to maximise its potential during these challenging economic times,” the company said in a statement. “The directors and shareholders along with all staff would like to thank Mr Hartley for his years of hard work, commitment and dedication and wish him the very best in his retirement.”