The chair and founder of Orient-Express Hotels, James Sherwood, has retired from his executive duties with the company.

Sherwood’s wife has been unwell, preventing the extensive travel commitment required by the role.

He will continue to serve as non-executive chair of the company until the next annual meeting of shareholders in June 2007 and thence forth as a non-executive director.

Sherwood said: “The company has never been in better health, with wonderful prospects going forward. Now is the time to alter my role. I founded the company in 1976 with the purchase of the Hotel Cipriani and we have now grown to 49 properties in 25 countries with others on the horizon.”