Punch Taverns's chief operating officer quits

The UK's largest pub company Punch Taverns is to lose its chief operating officer (COO) at the end of the month.

Adrian Fawcett is relinquishing his roles as COO and head of the company's leased division to become chief executive at private hospital group General Healthcare.

Deborah Kemp, who has been at Punch Taverns since its creation in 1998 and has worked as operations manager for the south, will become managing director of the company's leased division following Fawcett's departure.

Phil Cox retired from his role as chairman of the company after four years at Punch annual general meeting on the 27 January.

Punch's chief executive Giles Thorley hinted last year that he may step down from his role in the near future.

Punch Taverns to report a rise in sales after acquisitions >>

Punch Taverns signs 300th lease agreement >>

New directors at Punch Taverns >>

Punch Taverns boss adds to role with director appointment at restaurant group Tragus >>

Punch sells Old Orleans chain to Regent Inns for £26m >>

Pub company Punch to keep Spirit Group, for now >>

General Health Care website >>

By Daniel Thomas

E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas here.