Metcalfe returns to head Pret

Pret A Manger founder Julian Metcalfe has returned to head up his high-street sandwich chain after the controversial departure of the company's chairman and its deputy chief executive.

Andrew Rolfe, chairman and chief executive, and Harvey Smyth, deputy chief executive, parted company with the group last Thursday (20 March), apparently over a disagreement with shareholders over the pace of international expansion.

Reports that Rolfe and Smyth were sacked by Metcalfe because they had resisted his attempts to retake control of the group were denied by a spokesman for the group, who said the men had left after coming to an "elegant agreement".

Clive Schee, formerly managing director of Metcalfe's Japanese sushi chain, has been made chief executive and will be responsible for UK and international business. Metcalfe will become creative director.

Metcalfe opened his first Pret A Manger in 1986 and holds 67% of the company's shares. McDonald's bought a 33% stake in the chain for £32m two years ago.