Ingram orders up Gate Gourmet executive

Forbes: We are fortunate to have Paul on board

Ingram Micro has enlisted the man credited with turning around struggling airline catering firm, Gate Gourmet, to shore up its European financial performance.

Paul Lilley joins the distributor as EMEA senior vice president and chief financial officer. He will report to president of EMEA Jay Forbes.

Most recently, Lilley was European president of Gate Gourmet, where he spent three years overseeing the 8,000-strong firm’s restructuring. He also served a six-year stint as chief financial officer of Swiss business services group SGS.

In Ingram’s most recent quarter, EMEA sales plunged 10 per cent year on year to $2.57bn (£1.72bn). Operating losses in the region stood at $4.7m, which included a $3.1m hit from expense-reduction programme costs.

Forbes said: “We are very fortunate to have attracted someone of Paul’s knowledge and track record. We welcome him to the Ingram Micro team and look forward to the talents and experience he will bring as we continue to build our business and strengthen our financial performance.”

Lilley, who will be responsible for EMEA finance, credit and treasury functions, said: “I’m pleased to have joined the global leader in the technology distribution sector. These are exciting and challenging times, and Ingram Micro is well positioned to drive value and growth in its chosen markets.”