Action men climb corporate ladder

Action Computer Supplies is on the lookout for a new chief executive following a board-level reshuffle. A number of Action board members are changing responsibilities and job titles as the company sets its sights on acquisitions.

The company?s existing CEO and chairman, Henry Lewis, will see his role become less hands-on, according to an Action representative.

He said the new CEO will come from outside the company, not from an internal promotion. No time scale has been set for the appointment.

Lewis described the board room moves as a key part of the company?s development. ?The IT market presents Action with a great many opportunities for growth, both organic and through acquisition,? he said.

?To access these opportunities and manage that growth, it is crucial that we have a focused and skilled management team in place.

?I believe that when our new chief executive joins us, we will not only have that team, but also well balanced corporate goals and priorities.?

Along with Lewis? changing responsibility, managing director David Rothschild will take on the additional role of director of corporate development. Rothschild will guide the company as it goes on the acquisition trail.

Financial director Paul Filer will leave Action in April. He will be replaced by George Laplante, currently corporate development director.

Action has raised more than #7 million since it floated in July 1996 and is now looking to expand even further.