Stapleton to leave Compass after nearly a decade

Industry veteran Mike Stapleton is to leave his role of UK corporate affairs director at Compass Group after nearly a decade, Caterersearch has learnt.

Stapleton, who leaves on 31 December to pursue other interests, has been with the contract caterer for nine years.

He initially led the design of graduate and young chefs recruitment and development programmes in the run up to the merger with Granada.

After the merger, Stapleton worked on widening Compass's influence with bodies such as the CBI, Sector Skills Council People 1st and schools, colleges and universities to promote the caterer as an employer of choice.

Stapleton is also credited as one of the driving forces behind Compass's successful Junior Chefs Academy, which will have nearly 1,300 students on the programme this year and has recently extended front of house.

He has also played his part in supporting the Hoxton and Dartmouth Apprenticeship restaurants, which were set up by charity Training for Life, and was a regular judge on Caterer's Catey awards.

In a statement issued to staff, Robin Mills, human resources director at Compass, said: "I would like to thank him for his significant contribution to the group and the UK & Ireland business. I am sure you will join me in wishing him well in his future activities."

Last week Compass announced its withdrawal from the British Hospitality Association, arguing the organisation no longer effectively represented its concerns as a caterer and soft services provider.

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By Chris Druce

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