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UK-based mochi ice cream manufacturer, Little Moons, has announced the departure of its CEO, Mike Hedges, effective immediately. This unexpected development marks the end of Hedges' two-year tenure at the company's helm. The departure was confirmed by Little Moons' in a statement to FoodBev Media, although specific reasons for Hedges' exit were not disclosed. The statement said: "Mike has overseen a transformative period for Little Moons, including expanding its UK footprint, driving international growth across Europe and APAC and the building of a new state-of-the-art production facility that will open in Kettering this year". The company also announced that Vivien Wong – one of the company's co-founders – would be stepping in as interim CEO, alongside executive chair Flor Healy. Wong brings her expertise and familiarity with the company's operations to the interim role, aiming to ensure continuity during this transitional phase. Hedges, who assumed the CEO position in 2022, guided Little Moons through what the company described as a "transformative period". With two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, Hedges brought insights gained from previous roles at brands such as Proper, Tyrrells, Twinings and Bulmers. Wong commented: “We’d like to thank Mike for overseeing Little Moons growth in the UK and internationally over the last couple of years and we wish him the very best for the future”. Little Moons, founded in 2010 by siblings Howard and Vivien Wong, produces mochi dough ice cream and sorbet balls in a range of flavours, both sweet and savoury. Among its offerings are flavours like pink grapefruit, sweet and salty popcorn, yuzu and lemon, matcha green tea, roasted pistachio, Belgian chocolate, and coconut. Additionally, the company's UK portfolio includes chilled mochi cheesecake bites. Operating from its London headquarters, Little Moons currently manages production facilities in Park Royal and Wembley, employing approximately 350 individuals, with 265 stationed across its two factories. Last October, the company announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint with a new plant in Kettering, Northamptonshire. This expansion is expected to support Little Moons' entry into markets in New Zealand and Hong Kong. The 500,000-square-foot facility is slated to commence operations in the first half of this year. In 2022, Little Moons achieved an annual turnover rate of £64.5 million. The company's growth trajectory attracted investment interest, leading to the sale of a minority stake to private equity group L Catterton in the same year. Howard Wong expressed confidence that this partnership would facilitate global expansion efforts.