Punch's customer services director to leave

The long-serving customer services director at Punch Taverns is to leave the pub giant in December, it was announced today.

Francis Patton, who joined Punch in 1999 when it acquired the Vanguard portfolio from Allied Domecq, is leaving to pursue new challenges, although within the pub industry.

"I have been with the same company in different guises for 22 years and I felt it was time for a new challenge," he said.

"My departure is entirely amicable and I look forward to a break over Christmas before pursuing some new opportunities next year. I hope to stay in the pub sector."

Punch chief executive Giles Thorley said: "Francis now feels that he has successfully completed what he set out to achieve at Punch and he is ready to move on to apply his experience and skills to other areas.

"He has been an extremely valued member of the team and he goes with our very best wishes for his future endeavours."

Following Patton's announcement, Punch has appointed former Spirit Group director of planning Nigel Turpin as corporate affairs director, a role he will start on 5 November. Turpin will report to a new strategy director, who will be announced shortly.

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By Daniel Thomas

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