After almost 20 years with the University, Brian Healy, Director of Warwick Conferences and Hospitality, will retire on 28 February 2006.

After a career in the hotel business, Brian joined the University in April 1986 as Manager of Warwick's first purpose built Training and Conference Centre. He was involved in the final fit out with a deadline of opening by mid October 1986. Working with the Estates Office and others, the deadline was achieved and the £1.5m Radcliffe was built and fully fitted.

Within a short period of time, he had persuaded the University to invest £250,000 to build additional teaching space. A further build of 18 bedrooms some time later housed Severn Trent who, to this day, still use Radcliffe. The additional £250,000 investment allowed Radcliffe to repay the loan to the Foundation Fund within four years rather than the projected 12.

Five years later Brian was involved in the design and build of Scarman House, built at the request of KPMG with a signed six year contract for six months of each year.

The challenge of attracting business to Scarman in the second half of the year was successfully achieved and over the past eight years Scarman has grown from around £3m turnover to its current level of almost £7m. During this time Brian took over responsibility for Arden House which brought the three Training and Conference Centres under his direction.

Over the past year, in addition to Arden, Radcliffe and Scarman, Brian has had responsibility for Catering, Accommodation and Central Sales, under the umbrella of Warwick Conferences and Hospitality.

He leaves the University on the 28 February hoping he has given his best and having enjoyed the many challenges along the way. He would like to extend his good wishes to his successors and the many good friends he has made during his time at Warwick.

Jon Baldwin, Registrar, commenting on Brian's contribution to the University, said "Brian has given many years of tremendous service to Warwick - he has played a leading role in the development and the success of the management centres and Warwick Conferences and Hospitality more broadly and helped the University get to its sector-leading position. His achievements provide a benchmark for us all as we continue to build the University's income-generating businesses and to extend the services we offer. We will all miss Brian and on behalf of the University I would like to wish him a happy and relaxing retirement."