Caroline Gardiner says goodbye to Directors Table

Caroline Gardiner, managing director of Directors Table, is leaving Sodexho's fine-dining arm at the end of the month, Caterer can reveal.

The news follows principal chef Anton Edelmann's announcement that he has left Directors Table to work on a restaurant project and has led to speculation that the largely autonomous division could be brought closer into the business and industry (B&I) fold at Sodexho.

However, Sodexho insisted this would not be the case and revealed that Gardiner's number two, Nigel Scott, account director responsible for operations, will take on leadership of the business.

"Caroline was responsible for the successful restructure of Directors Table," a Sodexho spokeswoman told Caterer. "We wish her well for the future."

Edelmann will open Anton's at the Great Hallingbury Manor hotel in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, in November.

Gardiner, who joined Sodexho in 2004 and became head of Directors Table about 18 months ago, is thought to be pursuing interests within the sector.

By Chris Druce

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