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PRIVACY
Economic Development

Dudley Zoo chief executive leaves role days after being suspended

Charity says Peter Suddock has left the role by mutual consent after earlier announcing an internal investigation would take place

Dudley Zoo chief executive Peter Suddock has left the role after 22 years

suspended chief executive Peter Suddock has left the post by mutual agreement after 22 years in the role.

The well-known Midland business leader, 68, has officially retired from his job earlier this month.

Mr Suddock, who has been chief executive of the zoo since 1993, had been suspended on full pay pending an internal inquiry thought to revolve around finances.

His partner Jill Hitchman, who has worked as the zoo's head of media and communications, is also no longer in her role.

Mr Suddock was suspended while an internal investigation was carried out but a statement issued by the zoo today said: "By mutual agreement and after 22 years in post, Peter Suddock has retired from his position as chief executive officer of Dudley Zoological Gardens."

The statement added no further detail over the circumstances of his departure or whether a financial settlement had been reached.

The zoo previously said his suspension had not constituted disciplinary action and "whether or not disciplinary action is taken will depend upon the outcome of the investigation".

Mr Suddock's career began in the engineering industry before he became chief executive of registered charity Dudley Zoological Gardens in 1993.