My Food Bag Group said it had received notice "overnight" that chief executive Kevin Bowler intended to resign.

Bowler joined My Food Bag in June 2018 as its first independent CEO and had overseen a period of significant change, the meal kit company said.

Chair Tony Carter said Bowler had successfully led the business through the Covid-19 pandemic, which delivered several significant challenges, such as heightened health and safety risks, supply chain disruptions, rapid periods of growth and high inflation.

"It has been a challenging time for My Food Bag and despite this, with Kevin's leadership, the business has performed well, transitioned to a publicly listed company and is investing for the future," Carter said.

"During Mr Bowler's tenure, the business virtually tripled its earnings, took control of national operations from third parties, opened two new assembly facilities in Auckland and Christchurch, and broadened its offering to customers by adding recipe choice, made meals and its grocery options via the kitchen."

Bowler said he was sad to be leaving but said he felt the time was right.

"When I look back at my time with the business, I'm most proud of the way our team has worked together tirelessly through the uncertainties of the pandemic and still achieved all of its pre-listing forecasts in the 2021 and 2022 years," he said.

Bowler's final day is October 14.

The board is commencing a search for Bowler's replacement.

Chief financial officer Mark Winter will act as the interim CEO following Bowler's departure.

My Food Bag shares have been a major disappointment since investors bought into the IPO in March 2021 at $1.85, allowing existing shareholders to sell down their holdings.

They last traded at 61c, down 3c from Thursday's close.