Ilion welcomes prodigal son back into fold

Rob Johnson, UK managing director at Metrologie, is going back to his roots to take up the position of managing director at networking distributor Ilion, a company he left nine years ago.

Wayne Channon, CEO and chairman of Ilion, took over day-to-day to control of the distributor four months ago, following the departure of previous managing director, Allan Mack, who had been with the company less than a year. At the time, Channon claimed he was 'very excited about taking over again', claiming he had no plans to find a replacement managing director (PC Dealer 8 July).

Talking to PC Dealer, Channon insisted he had not changed his mind about finding a managing director, but had been discussing plans with Johnson.

'When you are presented with a man of that calibre, it is not an opportunity you walk away from.'

Johnson started work as a salesman at Ilion - formally Persona - in 1986, before he left as sales director in 1989 to set up a rival networking distributor, Mirai Networks, which was later sold to Ingram Micro.

He said: 'I have known Wayne for a long time and you have to respect him. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse.' Johnson is to start at the distributor in January 1999.

Robert Mountain, European business development director at Metrologie, said: 'I'm pleased for Rob, although the group is disappointed he is going.'

Michelle Robins, finance director at Metrologie, has been made acting managing director.