Compass sacks UK and Ireland boss

Compass Group has sacked its UK and Ireland chief executive Peter Harris.

The dismissal follows an internal investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the awarding of a £35.3m United Nations food and water deal in Liberia to Compass division ESS.

A Compass spokesman said: "The investigation has raised serious concerns as to whether, within ESS, there has been, in connection with IHC (a procurement intermediary) and the UN, improper conduct. As a result, Peter Harris, whose suspension was announced on 21 October, is being dismissed."

Andrew Seiwert, an ESS mid-ranking executive who was associated with UN contracting has also been fired.

The company announced that ESS will be restructured as a result of the investigation.

Compass said it was continuing to co-operate fully with the UN's own investigation into the alleged corruption.

Harris took over as boss of the UK and Ireland division from Don Davenport in July. He was formerly chief executive of the group's ESS Support Services, Middle East and Africa division. The division is currently helping the UN with its investigations.

By Tom Bill

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