Director seeks fresh challenges

Chef Paul Wilson has resigned from his position as director of Melbourne Pub Group after seven years with the company, three as a consultant and four as a director.

The chef has set up and overseen kitchens in all the group's venues, including the Newmarket, Circa, Acland Street Cantina, and the Middle Park and Albert Park hotels. ''My brand association with the MPG has been terrific,'' says Wilson, ''but it feels like the right time to move on.''

Wilson will continue to consult and is writing a book about Mexican and South American food. He is also considering opening another business with a Latin theme. Tom Walker, co-owner and director of MPG, says the company plans to move executive sous chef Stephen Burke into Wilson's role. ''The business model Paul established is a testament to his legacy,'' Walker says. The group's businesses will be unchanged, he says. Wilson will finish up by late August.