Gulf widens at the Savoy

DIVISIONS in the boardroom of the Savoy group grew deeper yesterday and brought into question Giles Shepard's continued role as the pounds 150,000 a year managing director, according to a source close to the company, writes John Shepherd.

Sir Anthony Tuke, chairman of the group, which includes the Berkeley and Connaught hotels in London, was said to be furious over Mr Shepard's unilateral decision last weekend to publicly admonish Sir Michael Richardson, a non-executive director. Sir Michael was accused of accidentally revealing the existence of a report on Savoy - an accusation he has denied. The row comes before next Tuesday's board meeting, which will consider the company's half-year figures.