Daukes' move from the exhibitions giant is timed to coincide with the stepping-down of Haymarket founder Michael Heseltine, who is retiring as executive chairman of the media group.
Daukes leaves the Clothes Show, PistonHeads and Stuff Live organiser in rude health after it beat market expectations to produce a profit increase in 2009 (compared with 2008 results).
"I'm now going to focus on a range of small projects," said Daukes of his future plans. "The past ten years have been a particularly exciting time for Haymarket; we have grown fast and developed into a varied and complex operation. I am proud to have led varied parts of the business through this growth, despite the turmoil of economic change in recent times."
Haymarket Business Exhibitions joint managing directors Gavin Brown and Laura Biggs will take over Daukes' responsibilities.
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