Not really complex

BARBARA SEVILLE IS the newly appointed human resources manager of Operettas (London) Ltd the UK subsidiary of the US corporation Operatics Inc. I briefly met her at the London launch party a few weeks ago. I must have given her my card because it is 8.30 am and she is on the telephone:

'We've got the Vice President (Finance) coming over from the States for a two-year stint in Europe. I'm not sure when he's starting as his work permit hasn't come through but he will be over here on Monday for a briefing. Can you help?'

'Don't worry they're all vice presidents over there! Is he American where will he be based and who will be the employer?'

'He will be covering London Paris and Milan based here. I think he will be on our payroll....