Cau and Dempsey take new roles at Compass

Contract caterer Compass has appointed two former senior executives from Forte to front its City of London and western European divisions.

Patrick Dempsey starts his role as managing director at Compass' new City division today.

Compass said the new division would provide "dedicated support" to the company's Leith's, Roux Fine Dining and Charters brands. It is also hoped to develop new fine-dining operations in the City.

The appointment comes amid rumours that Compass is to bring its US-based Restaurant Associates to the City of London. A spokeswoman for Compass said no decision had yet been taken to name the City division Restaurant Associates, but that it was a possibility.

Also joining the group is former chief executive of Forte Antoine Cau. He joins Compass as chief executive of the company's western European division, reporting to chief executive Mike Bailey. Cau will begin his induction into his new role straight away and will take up his position by 1 January 2002.

Bailey said Cau's role with the group would be to build business in the French and Italian markets.

"The board believes that his extensive business experience, his focus on quality and customer service and his achievements in building strong international brands will be an asset to the group in its future growth plans" said Bailey.

Neither Dempsey nor Cau have worked in contract catering before.