Paul Walsh, outgoing chief executive at Diageo, has been named chairman of catering company Compass Group. Walsh, who stands down from his role at the drinks giant in under a fortnight, will become a non-executive director at the Group from 1 January 2014. He will then be appointed as non-executive chairman at the Compass Group AGM a month later, on 6 February 2014.
While Walsh will offcially stand down as CEO from 1 July 2013, he is to remain at Diageo until 30 June 2014 to aid incoming chief executive Ivan Menezes with the handover.
Commenting on his appointment to Compass Group, Walsh said, "I'm delighted to have this exciting opportunity at such a world-class company. I look forward to working with Richard Cousins [chief executive at Compass Group] and my new colleagues on the board and to making a significant contribution to the business."
Walsh, who headed Diageo for more than 12 years, replaces current Compass Group chairman Sir Roy Gardner, 67, who revealed in February that he planned to step down. Gardner has served in the role since 2005.
Commenting on Walsh's appointment, Sir Ian Robinson, Compass Group senior independent director said, "His experience leading one of the UK's largest international companies through a period of significant global expansion makes him an excellent choice, and we look forward to his valuable contribution to the business." (20 June)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
