Albert Hampson, the AA’s business manager for hotel services, is retiring at the end of June after 19 years with the organisation.

Hampson, 58, said he had originally planned to retire at 60. “The option came to leave at this point and despite having had a really fantastic time working within the hospitality industry and publishing, I am really looking forward to spending more time with my family.”

He didn’t however rule out the possibility of taking on the “odd small hotel project”.

A replacement for Hampson has not yet been announced.

• Hampson revealed that the AA plans to launch an online booking scheme for its customers early next month. He denied any plans by the AA to discontinue its range of popular travel guides. Last year, rival organisation, the RAC ditched its rating and classification scheme.

Top AA rated restaurants >>

Half of all customers don’t use guidebooks >>

RAC hotel inspection scheme is scrapped >>

New hotel grading system will spread confusion >>

New grades anger small operators >> 

By Louise Durack

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.