British head of Michelin guide to quit

PARIS, Dec 5 (AFP) – The British director of France’s famed food bible, the Michelin Red Guide, is to retire next year and hand his job over to a Frenchman, the company said Friday.

Derek Brown, 59, is to leave in the middle of next year after three and a half years at the helm of the guide, which is considered the ultimate gastronomic restaurant finder in the world.

Before becoming director, he spent 30 years as one of Michelin’s anonymous inspectors whose ratings determine which establishments get cherished stars, each one of which can boost turnover by as much as 25 percent.

He will be replaced by Jean-Luc Naret, 42, who joined Michelin in September and is currently shadowing Brown.

 © AFP

                                                                Subject: French news