Compass Group has appointed the fourth boss of its UK and Ireland division in six months.

Trevor Briggs, who became interim chief executive in mid-January, replaces Gary Green, head of Compass's Americas division. A Compass spokeswoman said Green had returned to America "to focus on his primary role".

Green took over last November when Peter Harris was sacked following an investigation into contract procurement irregularities at the UN. Harris replaced Don Davenport, who retired last July.

Briggs, whom Compass expects to stay in the job until September, will continue his role as the company's commercial executive director in the UK and Ireland arm. He will step down sooner if a permanent replacement is found.

Richard Singleton, director of corporate governance at institutional investor F&C, said uncertainty at group board level had probably contributed to the selection of another temporary executive for the UK.

By Tom Bill

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