Punch operations director to leave after 16 years

Giles Kendall, operations director of pub firm Punch, is to leave the business after 16 years.

Kendall's departure follows that of chief executive Duncan Garrood, who left his role following the acquisition of the business by Patron Capital and the sale of 1,900 Punch pubs to Heineken.

Reflecting on his time with Punch, Kendall said: "It has been a rollercoaster experience with initially Pubmaster and then Punch, but one that has been both incredible and unforgettable.

"Punch and the pub industry has changed so much in a relatively short space of time, and it's been fantastic to have been ‘in the thick of it' whilst those changes have taken place.

"It really has been a fast moving, challenging but also an incredible place to work. The people I've worked with over the years have been amazing and I've made some great friends, but now it's time to move onto another chapter for me in the pub industry."

Steve Dando, who stepped up from his role of chief financial officer to interim CEO of Punch until a successor to Garrood is appointed in 2018, said: "On a personal note I've worked with Giles for many years and I would like to wish him well on behalf of everyone in the company and the very best for the future."

Punch Taverns chief executive Duncan Garrood leaves the company >>

Competition authority gives Heineken-Punch deal the go-ahead >>

Punch Taverns agrees £403m takeover by Heineken and partner >>

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