Airline caterer Gate Gourmet is restructuring in a bid to shore up its finances and return to growth. 

Chairman David Siegel said the company’s sales and customer service teams would now be integrated at each of its three operating divisions – Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific.

As part of the shake-up, Niels Smedegaard, executive vice-president of global sales solutions, will leave the company after a handover to successor Troben Carlsen.

The new presidents overseeing the combined sales and customer service functions of Gate Gourmet are: Paul Lilley in Europe; Pete Pappas in the Americas and Odd Engebretsen in Asia Pacific.

Siegel said: “We are fortunate to have an extraordinarily energetic and talented management team, and I look forward to their continuing contributions as we reposition Gate Gourmet for future success.” 

The caterer this week finally ended its high-profile and messy labour dispute at Heathrow Airport, and is now streamlining the UK operation to move it back into the black after years of losses.

By Chris Druce

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