Francis Patton to leave Punch Taverns

Francis Patton, Punch Taverns' long-serving customer services director, has announced he is to leave the company on December 7.

Patton said he had had a "long chat" with Punch's chief executive Giles Thorley about his decision, and stressed his departure was "entirely amicable".

He said that he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time working for Punch, which he joined in 1999 when it bought the Vanguard estate from Allied Domecq, for whom he had worked in various guises for his entire career.

But now it was time for a change, Patton said. "I've spent the last 12 years driving up and down the M1 to Burton-upon-Trent and I want to do something that will enable me to travel a bit less and spend more time with my family."

Patton said he planned to stay in the pub business and he had some plans, such as non-executive roles, in the pipeline.

"I love the pub sector and I love Punch Taverns, but I've decided that it's time for a change," he said. "I want to see if I can prove myself beyond the company I've worked for for 22 years."

Punch announced that Nigel Turpin has been appointed to the position of Corporate Affairs Director, heading up the Communications and External Relations teams.

Chief executive Giles Thorley thanked Patton for his service and said: "Francis has been an extremely valued member of the team and he goes with our very best wishes for his future endeavours."