Industry observers are looking with interest at the proposed appointment of Unilever executive Tex Gunning to succeed Zach Miles at the helm of Anglo-Dutch staffing giant Vedior.

Some financial analysts have speculated that Vedior could be on the verge of a break-up, possibly by splitting the blue and white collar operations, although Rodney Hobson, editor of financial news web site Hemscott.com, disagrees.

"Gunning is a builder, not a breaker," Hobson told Recruiter. "He is credited with transforming Unilever's food operations by tackling deep-seated problems and boosting staff morale."

Hobson points out that Gunning, who is Dutch despite his American-sounding name, has led Unilever's Asian operations to success. First quarter figures for 2007 showed growth across all categories and all major countries, with encouraging trends in India, China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

"Gunning is hardly likely to be leaving such an empire — not to mention great prospects for further promotion at Unilever — to preside over a break-up," Hobson said. "More likely he has been attracted by the expansion at ambitious Vedior through a series of acquisitions."

Gunning has drawn attention for his commitment to corporate social responsibility and its link with best business practices during his time at Unilever. One of his high-profile activities was to take 200 Asia-based Unilever managers to India to work for three days in local communities several years ago.

Last month Gunning addressed the Confederation of Indian Industry's National Summit on CSR in Chennai, India and told audiences that the role of businesses was to act as agents of change to solve problems such as poverty and inequality, as well as being responsible to shareholders.

Vedior's shareholders will be asked to approve Gunning's appointment as chief executive in September.

The company announced in April that Miles was leaving earlier than originally planned.

• Last week Vedior acquired US firm Think Resources, a provider of engineering and technical professionals based in Norcross, Georgia.

Vedior's chief executive Zach Miles said: "Think has a leading presence in what is now a very high- demand sector and we look forward to supporting them as they grow their business."