Kevin Mahoney

In a surprise move, Kevin Mahoney has stepped down as managing director of ISS UK. His departure comes at a time when the UK operation is thriving. Combined turnover for the UK and Ireland increased by almost 24% last year with operating profit up 19%. Both turnover and margin were the highest of any of the main markets in which ISS operates. Following a string of acquisitions, ISS bought 18 companies in the first five months of this year, the Danish company is set to take control of RCO.

Simon Cox

Simon Cox, currently MD of the ISS Mediclean operating company, will replace Mahoney. Mediclean is central to ISS plans to develop its FM capability in the UK and has service contracts for four of the 16 PFI hospitals including Hairmyres. Speaking at a European investors' day earlier this year, Cox told i-FM that ISS wanted to be a leader in PFI not simply a service provider or equity partner. A successor to Cox at Mediclean has not been announced.

Kevin Mahoney joined ISS in 1997 and has overseen the transformation of the company in the UK, achieving average annual organic growth of 12% and profits growth of almost 30%.

The change at ISS UK follows the decision by ISS CEO Wademar Schmidt to retire next year and the announcement that the Group's Chief Financial Officer, now deputy CEO, Eric Rylberg will succeed him. Jesper Moller moves to head ISS operations in Europe.

Richard Byatt