Amec director quits after 'clash' over division

A DIRECTOR of Amec, the construction company, has left 'to pursue other interests' after a disagreement about the future style and direction of one of its divisions, writes Heather Connon.

Dennis Clark, who was chairman of its process and energy sector, was on a three-year rolling contract, so he could get compensation of up to pounds 345,000, based on his annual salary of about pounds 115,000. Amec said compensation had not been agreed.

The group would not comment on the reasons for his departure, but it is believed that he clashed with Sir Alan Cockshaw, Amec's chairman, over the running of the division.

Amec wants to expand its overseas process and energy business - which specialises in work for oil companies - overseas, with Indonesia and China particular targets. 'The question was, was he the right person to do it?' said a source close to the group.

He added that the departure did not mean that the results, due to be announced next week, would be disappointing. Nor was Mr Clark being blamed for problems with the Tiffany contract.

The departure surprised the City, however, which has always viewed Mr Clark as a good manager who appeared to know his business well. But encouraging results elsewhere in the building sector meant that the shares rose 6p to 121p.

He is being replaced by George Payne, commercial director of Amec.