Delaware North MD Simon Dobson leaves the business

Delaware North managing director Simon Dobson has stepped down from his position at the helm of the company's UK operations.

A second high profile contract - a 20-year deal at Arsenal FC's Emirates stadium - soon followed.

During his tenure at the top of Delaware North in the UK, Dobson oversaw the company's diversification into the travel concession sector, with outlets at London Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow, and Edinburgh airports and total annual turnover for the business grew to more than £50m.

Prior to joining Delaware North, Dobson held senior positions at Sodexo, managing catering operations at high-profile venues including Silverstone, Lords cricket ground and Sandown Park racecourse.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said: "Following a period of International review, Delaware North Companies and Simon Dobson, managing director of its UK operations, have agreed by mutual consent that Simon will step down from his position and will leave the business effective 30 July 2013."