FORMER BANKER Tom McAleese has resigned as a director and chief operating officer of Dublin-based private equity group Claret Capital. This leaves Claret with just two directors, co-founder Dómhnal Slattery and Eamon Quinn, who represents the family of Senator Feargal Quinn. The Quinns own 25 per cent of Claret.

Mr McAleese is the latest director to depart Claret in recent times. Shareholder-directors Max Doyle and Bryan Maloney left the investment business in recent months. The departures follow a decision by Claret to focus on managing its existing portfolio of assets rather than seeking new equity investments.

Claret has made 27 investments, including stakes in low-cost executive jet operator JetBird, car hire firm Hertz, hospital operator HCA and maritime communications group Blue Ocean Wireless.

Claret made a loss of €3.42 million in 2008.