South Africa-based fresh produce marketer Capespan has provided an official response to the revelation that Alan Forrester, who had been due to take on the role of managing director at the company's UK business, is now planning to stay with his current employer, Belgium-based fresh produce company Univeg.
On Wednesday, 14 September 2011, Univeg announced the departure of its UK managing director David Prince, with immediate effect, and confirmed it had appointed Forrester, director of Univeg UK's Fairtrade and Univeg Direct units, as the division's new joint managing director, alongside current head of stonefruit and tropicals, Mike Harpham.
However, Forrester's appointment as Capespan UK's new managing director had apparently already been agreed, and Eurofruit understands he was due to replace long-serving MD Ronan Lennon, who is due to step down in October, 'within weeks'.
The change of heart has now prompted Capespan to take its time in replacing Lennon, who is now set to delay his departure.
Louis Kriel, managing director of Capespan Group’s fruit division based in South Africa, told Eurofruit that Forrester's withdrawal had come as a surprise, particularly as the process of appointing him had been a long one.
'We were informed by Mr Forrester that he had received an offer he could not refuse,' Kriel told Eurofruit. 'Apart from having questions over the ethics surrounding these developments, there is nothing much we can say.'
Kriel revealed that Lennon would continue in his present role until a successor was appointed.
'After his retirement, Ronan would still have continued with project work for Capespan International and he will now simply continue in his present role a bit longer.'
Eurofruit also understands that Capespan moved to appoint Forrester after he indicated to them that he would consider a career move.
According to Kriel, he applied for the position, was interviewed and then signed a contract of employment.
The process of handing over to him had already started when he decided to withdrew, Kriel confirmed, adding that he had 'no idea' what Univeg's new offer involved.
'We are not prepared to negotiate under these circumstances,' he said.
