Deborah Kemp leaves Punch

Deborah Kemp, managing director of Punch Taverns' leased estate, is to leave the business.

Her replacement will be Roger Whiteside, chief executive of Thresher Group from 2004 to 2007, on 3 November, Punch announced today.

Whiteside has also been head of food at Marks & Spencer and was joint MD of Ocado from 2000 to 2003.

Punch chief executive Giles Thorley said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Deborah both personally and on behalf of the Board for her commitment to Punch in leading the Leased business through a significant period of transition over the last couple of years.

"To her credit, Deborah will be leaving the leased business a significantly more customer-focused and streamlined operation which will stand the business in excellent stead as we continue to build the UK's premier pub company.

"I would also like to welcome Roger to the Group. Roger has a long and diverse career in the Retail sector and brings with him exceptional experience which will be invaluable to the Group in taking our Leased business to the next stage of its development."