Alex Forbes has been appointed CEO at Alpha LSG, taking over from Axel Bilstein who has left the business for ‘personal reasons’ to take up a new position within LSG Sky Chefs in Germany.

 
Commenting, Robin Padgett, Chairman, Alpha LSG said: “The appointment of Alex Forbes will ensure a smooth transition for the business – a benefit to our team in the UK and our airline partners. Alex has a strong vision for the future and like the shareholders, he is committed to ensuring Alpha LSG is the airline caterer of choice in the UK.”

 
Forbes joined Alpha LSG when the joint UK venture was launched in 2012 and has been COO since July 2013. He is credited with spearheading the company’s regional operation and playing a key role alongside Axel Bilstein in the successful launch of the joint venture – including restructuring and integration of the business.

 
Forbes said: “I’m delighted to be appointed CEO and would like to thank Axel Bilstein for his valuable contribution to our success over these past two years.

 

“The successful integration of the joint venture has seen Alpha LSG shaping and developing new services, raising the bar for culinary excellence, strengthening our relationships with key customers and winning new business.

 

 

“As COO during this transition period, I have gained a really good understanding of the entire business and I have a very clear vision for the way forward – to further consolidate Alpha LSG and take the company to even greater heights.”

 

 

He added: “Our aim is to continue to grow our market-leading In-Flight Retail division by continuing to provide airline customers with fresh ideas and innovative products that really appeal to passengers.

 

 

“At the same time, Alpha LSG’s superb culinary team supported by our industry-leading facilities at London-Heathrow will allow us to conduct research and development, showcase our expertise and demonstrate we have something unique – setting exciting new standards in airline catering.”

 

 

Alpha LSG has also announced Ian Uren’s appointment as CFO who will oversee Finance, Legal and IT. He was formerly Group Finance Director of Bidvest 3663, one of the largest food suppliers to Alpha LSG.

 

 

[Alpha LSG held its second OMG! Awards ‘reward and recognition’ ceremony last May after announcing it had helped Monarch Airlines to increase its inflight retail sales by 15% during the past five years. Click here for more details: http://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/international/alpha-lsg-names-top-duty-free-sellers-at-monarch/76431].