Paul Daly, former commercial director of business and industry at Sodexho, has been appointed by Rentokil Initial to assess the future of its catering and facilities management division, Caterer has learned.

A source close to Rentokil said Daly had been taken on for a three-month period as a consultant with a view to a possible full-time position as boss of the division.

It is understood that Daly, who left Sodexho in October for reasons that the company refused to disclose, may also consider offloading the division.

Rumours that Rentokil may move out of the catering market have picked up since it was revealed that its Eden Foodservice education division was struggling to boost uptake in the wake of Jamie Oliver's campaign.

Observers suggest it would also fit with Rentokil's recent policy of selling non-core divisions.

Initial was unavailable for comment.

By Tom Bill

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