He would not be replaced on the board but most of his key responsibilities would be transferred to group commercial director Adam Braithwaite, Dairy Crest said.
Wilks was praised for playing a key role in building Dairy Crest’s brands by increasing focus on the consumer and developing its innovation.
Dairy Crest’s brands include Clover, Country Life, Cathedral City, Utterly Butterly and Frijj.
The firm’s ceo Mark Allen thanked Wilks for his “important contribution” to the business.
‘Significant difference’
“He has made a significant difference to the performance of our brands in that time and leaves with our best wishes for the future,” he said.
Before joining Dairy Crest, Wilks was president of the snackfood division of Masterfoods USA. He also held senior management positions within Mars and Masterfoods – including md of Mars France.
Earlier this week, City analyst Shore Capital estimated Dairy Crest’s spread business profit would grow by £26M to £30.5M.