Stacey leaves Gardner Merchant

Group human resources director John Stacey has become the latest top manager to quit contract caterer Gardner Merchant (GM).

A GM spokeswoman said Stacey had not been made redundant but had chosen to leave because his role in the company was changing.

Following a review of the human resources department, the company had decided to move more of its functions out to the different divisions of the company, she said.

"John Stacey felt his strengths lay elsewhere and decided he wanted to leave and pursue other options," the spokeswoman added.

No decision has yet been taken on whether to replace him.

Stacey's departure follows that of Bill Toner, managing director for business and industry. GM announced in November that he was leaving to join rival contractor Aramark.

High-profile departures before that included Julian Squire, managing director of Primary Management, and Tim Cookson, managing director of education services.