Hawkes to retire from Aramark

Garry Hawkes is to step down from his role as non-executive chairman at contract caterer Aramark at the end the month.

Hawkes joined Aramark four years ago, in July 2000, after quitting his role as chairman of Gardner Merchant.

He was unhappy when the Gardner Merchant name was changed to Sodexho by the French contract catering giant that bought it in 1995.

He had spent 37 years at Gardner Merchant before joining rival Aramark.

Hawkes will pursue his interest in vocational training and educational development.

During his 40 years in the foodservice sector, he has worked hard to promote vocational experience and qualifications through a number of organisations and was awarded a CBE in 1999.

"Garry has made an enormous contribution to Aramark UK over the past four years but has also been a personal inspiration to me since we first worked together 21 years ago," commented Aramark managing director Bill Toner.

by Angela Frewin

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