Second Punch boss steps down just weeks after Garrood

Giles Kendall, Punch operations director, is to leave the business after 16 years' service.

There were no details on a potential future role but Kendall said he would be moving on to “another chapter” in the pub industry.

Kendall said: “It has been a rollercoaster experience with initially Pubmaster and then Punch, but one that has been both incredible and unforgettable.

“Punch and the pub industry has changed so much in a relatively short space of time, and it’s been fantastic to have been “in the thick of it” while those changes have taken place.

“It really has been a fast moving, challenging but also an incredible place to work. The people I’ve worked with over the years have been amazing and I’ve made some great friends, but now it’s time to move on to another chapter for me in the pub industry.”

Steve Dando, interim CEO for Punch said: “On a personal note I’ve worked with Giles for many years and I would like to wish him well on behalf of everyone in the company and the very best for the future.”

A spokesman for Punch said: "We are not aware that Giles has another role lined up as yet and we wish him every success for the future"

There has been a number of management changes at the company since it sold 1900 pubs to Heineken. Dando took over the CEO role after the departure of Duncan Garrood earlier this month.

Earlier this week David Wigham was made sales and marketing director at Punch, following the departure of Neil Macgeorge.