Former Aramark UK chief executive Bill Toner has reportedly abandoned plans to join independent caterer Host Management, Caterer has learnt.

Toner was to join Host as commercial director in July and it is understood that he had signed a contract.

It is believed he changed his mind for personal reasons and has now delayed any return to the contract catering sector.

Host managing director Jerry Brand refused to confirm or deny the report.

"I was interested in the rumours late last year about Bill joining Host, and would have welcomed his experience and input," he said.

Toner denied that a move to Host was in place. "I have been delighted with the approaches that I've had to date, but I'm very happy doing what I'm doing at the moment," he said. His gardening leave from Aramark ends in June.

Roy Miller, who was appointed Host's sales director for Scotland and the North of England last October, was this week announced as the company's new UK sales director. Miller previously worked alongside Toner at Aramark.

Brand denied Miller's promotion to a UK-wide role was due to the fact that Toner had changed his mind.

By Tom Bill

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