LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — A search is underway for a new chief executive officer at the Hain Celestial Group. Once a candidate is identified, Irwin D. Simon, the current president and c.e.o., will step aside and become non-executive chairman of the company.

“Irwin is an incredible entrepreneur and pioneer in the organic and natural foods industry, where he started with a vision and built it into a $3 billion company,” said Andrew R. Heyer, lead director of the company’s board.  “On behalf of the board of directors and the entire Hain Celestial team, I want to thank Irwin for his vision, leadership, commitment and tremendous contributions over his distinguished 25-year career since founding Hain Celestial.”

The company did not provide a timeline for when it expects the succession process to be completed.

“When I founded the company 25 years ago, one of my goals was to educate and change the way the world eats and lives through a relentless focus on providing organic, natural and better-for-you products to consumers,” Mr. Simon said. “I am incredibly proud of the company we have built.  It has been a privilege to lead our dedicated team and drive our mission forward.”

Mr. Heyer added that in addition to seeking a new c.e.o., the board also continues to consider strategic alternatives for the company. The company is in the process of divesting its Hain Pure Protein business, which processes organic fresh poultry.