Ilion restructure sees finance boss add name to resignations

Ilion's list of departures during the past two months lengthened last week following the resignation of finance director Jeff Collard as the distributor's restructure takes hold.

Wayne Channon, chairman of Ilion, confirmed Collard's departure on 11 August, after the two parties agreed they had differing aspirations.

Channon wanted the UK finance function to become more closely integrated with the day-to-day operation of the distribution business.

Collard joined Ilion more than eight months ago, after he was brought in by former managing director Allan Mack, who left the company in July.

Collard joins the list of departures, which includes Charlie Stewart, European sales director, and Serge Van Gorkum, group product and marketing manager.

As a result of Collard's move, Channon has appointed group finance controller Stephen Burke as UK finance director.

Channon claimed that since he had taken day-to-day control of the distributor and restructured the sales force to include 40 account handlers, its figures have improved.

'July was the first month we made the numbers again. It looks as though we will over achieve for August as well,' he added.