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Alex Forbes assumes new CEO role at Alpha LSG |
UK. Alpha LSG has appointed Alex Forbes as Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Axel Bilstein, who has left the business for personal reasons to return to Germany where he will take up a new position within LSG Sky Chefs.
Forbes joined Alpha LSG when the joint UK venture was launched in 2012 and has been Chief Operating Officer since July 2013. He has spearheaded the company’s industry-leading regional operation and played a key role alongside Bilstein in the successful launch of the joint venture, including restructuring and integration of the business and facilities.
“The appointment of Alex Forbes will ensure a smooth transition for the business – a benefit to our team in the UK and our airline partners,” said Alpha LSG Chairman Robin Padgett. “Alex has a strong vision for the future and like the shareholders he is committed to ensuring Alpha LSG is the airline caterer of choice in the UK.”
Forbes noted: “I’m delighted to be appointed CEO and would like to thank Axel Bilstein for his valuable contribution to our success over these past two years. The successful integration of the joint venture has seen Alpha LSG shaping and developing new services, raising the bar for culinary excellence, strengthening our relationships with key customers and winning new business. As COO during this transition period, I have gained a really good understanding of the entire business and I have a very clear vision for the way forward – to further consolidate Alpha LSG and take the company to even greater heights.”
He added: “Our aim is to continue to grow our market-leading Inflight Retail division by continuing to provide airline customers with fresh ideas and innovative products that really appeal to passengers. At the same time, Alpha LSG’s superb culinary team supported by our industry-leading facilities at London Heathrow will allow us to conduct research and development, showcase our expertise and demonstrate we have something unique – setting exciting new standards in airline catering.”
Alpha LSG has also announced Ian Uren’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer. Uren, who will oversee Finance, Legal and IT, was formerly Group Finance Director of Bidvest 3663, one of the largest food suppliers of Alpha LSG.
