Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel says its chief executive is quitting after a boardroom clash.
Eurotunnel, which runs the tunnel link between Britain and France, said chief executive Mr Philippe Lazare was leaving by mutual consent on December 31st after "differences of views on the management of the company". A spokesman declined to elaborate, apart from saying the disagreement was not over strategy.
The Anglo-French firm said Mr Lazare, appointed chief executive in April, would be replaced by chief financial officer Mr Richard Shirrefs.
The spokesman also said Eurotunnel would not be affected by strike action currently disrupting the services of passenger train operator Eurostar.
An official at Eurostar confirmed three trains on its London-Paris route and one on its London-Brussels route had been cancelled due to industrial action by French drivers this morning.
He said a further six trains on each route had been cancelled so far for tomorrow, when around half of Eurostar's 124 train managers, responsible for safety and customer care, are expected to go on strike in a pay dispute.
Eurostar pays Eurotunnel for use of the channel tunnel, but the payments are guaranteed under a minimum-usage agreement not due to expire until 2006.
At 9.15 a.m., Eurotunnel's shares were unchanged in London at 66 3/4 pence, and down two per cent in Paris at €1.05.