Purser leaves HCTC after four months

THE industry's leading training body, the Hotel & Catering Training (HCTC), is looking for a new chief executive, less than four months since Lynda Purser took over the job from Duncan Rutter.

As Caterer went to press, mystery still surrounded her sudden and unexpected departure. A brief statement from the HCTC's trustees confirmed only that she was "no longer employed".

Finance director David Churchill, who has taken over as acting chief executive until a replacement is found, said the departure was "a private matter between Lynda Purser and the trustees".

When Mr Rutter retired in the New Year, Mrs Purser had appeared to be an ideal replacement. Her CV included 13 years in higher education and a spell as chief executive of Greater Peterborough Training and Enterprise Council.

Mrs Purser was contacted by Caterer at the weekend but declined to comment.