Alexander Mann restructures, Bonnet 'on sabbatical'

Patrick Diggines, chairman of Alexander Mann group, said suggestions by other headhunters that there had been disagreements about the direction of the company were untrue. He said: "Gavin remains an integral part of our team."

Diggines said Bonnet's sabbatical would last for two or three months. Bonnet could not immediately be reached for comment.

Diggines arrived at the company in September from Credit Agricole Indosuez, where he was deputy chief executive in the UK. He said the changes at AMES aimed to improve efficiency as well as liaison between its offices in Europe and Asia.

Alexander Mann Executive Search is a prominent recruitment firm with offices around Europe and in Hong Kong. The Alexander Mann group employs more than 300 people.