French travel retail giant Aelia announced a number of important new personnel changes with the departure of Executive Vice-President Commercial and Marketing B?atrice Delorme and the return of Ambroise Fondeur as Deputy CEO, Commercial and

Marketing.

Aelia says that in addition to his responsibilities within Aelia's existing businesses, including managing the marketing team of SDA, Fondeur will also oversee changes to organisational processes and structures designed to help the group meet its objectives for international development, in partnership with its sister companies in the Lagard?re Services network worldwide.

Fondeur rejoins the Aelia Group from its parent company Lagard?re Services, where he has been Executive Vice-President, International Retail Diversification since August 2007. He had previously served for several years on the Aelia executive committee as Vice-President Organisation and Development.

Meanwhile Philippe Otero del Val, currently the Group's Director Finance and Administration, is named Chief Operating Officer – CFO and will take on responsibility for the supply chain organisation and for the financial administration of all future development projects undertaken by the Group.

He has been with the Aelia Group since 2005 following roles at various companies within the Lagard?re Services group, including HDS Retail North America where he served as CFO.

Aelia Group Chairman and CEO Jean-Baptiste Morin said: ‘Firstly, on behalf of the group I would like to thank B?atrice for her excellent service to the company. We are delighted to welcome Ambroise back to Aelia. His previous time at the company, added to the valuable experience he has gained at our parent company Lagard?re Services, will be a vital asset to us at a key stage in our development.

‘His experience in international development, including the successful set-up of our businesses in the UK and Poland, give him a valuable perspective on the direction we need to take to achieve our ambitious growth objectives. He also has a keen awareness of the commercial issues that are unique to our market, and will help us make improvements to our operations across the board.

‘Philippe's promotion, meanwhile, is richly deserved. In his new role he will oversee various projects we have undertaken to improve our processes and organisation, once again with international development in mind. We wish Ambroise and Philippe the very best of luck in their new roles and look forward to their contribution to the next phase of Aelia Group's development.’