Paul Walsh is to step down as chairman and director of contract caterer Compass after six years in the role.
Walsh, who will remain in position until a successor is appointed, said he had made the decision to focus on his other business interests.
He said: “It has been a privilege to serve for the last 6 years as chairman of Compass, which is a world-class business and a true British success story on the global stage. We have a strong and well-established chief executive in place and I will work to ensure a seamless transition to my successor as chairman.”
Walsh had joined Compass from Diageo, where he had been chief executive since 2000.
In November Compass Group reported a 6.4% increase to annual revenue in the year to 30 September 2019, reaching to £25.15b.
The figure was ahead of the company’s target growth of 4-6% and was despite a volume weakness in UK business & industry contracts. Operating profit across the group was up by 4.7% to £1.88b.