LONDON— Thistle Hotels surprised the market by announcing the departure of its finance director and chief operating officer after less than two years in their posts. Stuart Burnett, who is not being replaced as chief operating officer, and Stephen Young, whose place is being taken by Ian Durant from Dairy Farm International, are expected to receive payoffs equivalent to a years salary. Ian Burke, group CEO, said the departure of Burnett followed the completion of a three-year investment program. “Most of the work is done now. We didnt feel the need for a full-time chief operating officer given that we now have a much stronger team in place just below board level.” In the case of Young, he said that both parties had felt it was “an opportune time to bring in some new ideas,” while Durants appointment would strengthen the board. The company also announced the appointment of Arun Amarsi, a senior executive at BIL International, as a non-executive director.
