Lars Löfgren has succeeded Björn Ulfberg as the new President and CEO of Inflight Service with immediate effect.

 

Although he is departing, Inflight Service management has confirmed that Ulfberg will remain as an advisor and an investor in the company.

 

Ulfberg was appointed in 2011 after taking over from the retiring interim CEO Per Thelin who, in turn, succeeded Gustaf Ljunggren in February 2010 after the company experienced a change of ownership. This followed the agreed acquisition of 67% of the travel retail concessionaire and distributors’ equity by private equity company Triton from CapMan – who originally acquired IFS back in 2005.

 

Commenting on the development, Chairman of the Inflight Service Board André Dosé said thanked Ulfberg for his contributions, including ‘developing and leading a series of successful initiatives focused on organizational realignment, several successful contract tenders, and for establishing an international platform’.

 

He said: “These changes have helped establish a solid foundation for Inflight Service’s future, and we remain committed to our ambitious growth agenda as the leading airline and ferry retailer in Europe. At the same time, I am pleased that Lars Löfgren has accepted the role as CEO.

 

‘RIGHT LEADER TO DRIVE INFLIGHT SERVICE…’

“Lars is a proven leader, with extensive experience from the travel industry. His vision for how travel retail can enhance the travel experience and meet the future needs of travellers is exactly what Inflight Service needs as the company enters its next phase of service innovation and growth. I am confident that Lars is the right leader to drive Inflight Service forward and execute on the set strategy.”

 

Meanwhile, Ulfberg thanked the company for having had the opportunity to lead ‘such a talented team’ and he said everyone is proud of what Inflight Service has accomplished during this time: “Together, we have established the right strategy to grow the airline and ferry segments and expand our pre-order concept outside the Nordics,” he said.

 

 

For his part, Lars Löfgren joined Inflight Service’s board of directors in 2014, having previously served as CEO of Thomas Cook Northern Europe. He is said to have extensive experience in leading and developing executive management teams.

 

Löfgren said: “I am excited to take on the role as CEO of Inflight Service and work with the board and management team to further develop and expand our retail offerings. As a former travel executive, I am well aware of the challenges that airlines and travel companies face in today’s dynamic and changing environment.

 

“Inflight Service has a fantastic platform to offer both existing and new customers attractive opportunities for innovative ancillary revenues.”