Jun 08, 2004 (Hugin via COMTEX) -- Zurich, Switzerland, June 8, 2004 - Gate Gourmet Group, Inc.'s board of directors today named David N. Siegel chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the company. Henning Boysen, 58, will retire from his position as chief executive officer and has been appointed non-executive deputy chairman of the board, from which position he will continue to serve as an advisor to Gate Gourmet. James G. Coulter, chairman since Texas Pacific Group acquired Gate Gourmet in December 2002, will remain a non-executive member of the board.
David Siegel, 42, was most recently president and chief executive of US Airways Group, Inc. He has extensive airline and travel industry experience, having also served as chairman and chief executive of Avis Rent-a-Car and in various senior management roles at Continental Airlines, Inc., including president of its Continental Express subsidiary.
"We are extremely pleased to announce that an executive of David Siegel's caliber will be joining Gate Gourmet as chairman and chief executive officer. He brings a unique customer perspective, a broad understanding of the airline business and proven track record of success," Mr. Coulter said.
"While it remains a particularly difficult time for the aviation sector, I'm delighted to join Gate Gourmet and stay within the industry," said David Siegel. "I have long been impressed by Gate Gourmet's commitment to quality and service as a leading supplier to airlines, and I look forward to working with our customers and employees to find innovative ways to adapt to today's challenging environment."
"Henning has provided outstanding leadership over the past eight years; first in building Gate Gourmet into a truly global company and then, in recent years, during a time of unprecedented change in the industry," said Coulter. "We are especially appreciative of his contributions post-September 11th and during the transition in ownership from the Swissair Group to Texas Pacific Group."
Separately, the company announced that George Alvord, 58, president, Division Americas, will, as planned for several months, retire effective July 31, 2004. George will step up to become chairman, Division Americas, to ensure the continuation of the company's high level commitment to its customers and business. The company will announce a successor to the position of president, Division Americas, shortly.
"We are very grateful to George for his invaluable contribution to the development of our all important US operation. Since our acquisition of Dobbs five years ago, and particularly during the most recent turbulent times, he has provided great leadership to the business," said Henning Boysen.
"I also would like to take the opportunity to extend my good wishes to David Siegel and I am looking forward to supporting him in his new position," added Henning Boysen.
Note to Editors:
Gate Gourmet is a world leading airline catering company. Its turnover in 2003 amounted to CHF 2.3 billion. With the world's most important airlines among its customers, Gate Gourmet produces over 195 million meals per year and employs a staff of about 22'000 in its 120 flight kitchens. This international enterprise is located in 30 countries on all continents and, through its non-catering divisions, also offers supply chain management and in-flight operations management (e-gatematrix), inspection and validation services (Gatesafe) and in-flight equipment sourcing (FiveOceans).
Further Information: Connie Voigt Director Corporate Communications Gate Gourmet International, Zurich, Switzerland Media Line: +41 43 812 7117 Cell: +41 79 517 4082 E-mail: [email protected]
Owen Blicksilver For Texas Pacific Group Owen Blicksilver Public Relations, Inc., USA +1-516-742-5950 (office) +1-917-874-4485 (pager) [email protected]
Gate Gourmet International Corporate Communications CH-8058 Zurich Airport Switzerland Phone: +41 43 812 71 17 Fax: +41 1 810 91 75 [email protected] www.gategourmet.com
David Siegel, 42, was most recently president and chief executive of US Airways Group, Inc. He has extensive airline and travel industry experience, having also served as chairman and chief executive of Avis Rent-a-Car and in various senior management roles at Continental Airlines, Inc., including president of its Continental Express subsidiary.
"We are extremely pleased to announce that an executive of David Siegel's caliber will be joining Gate Gourmet as chairman and chief executive officer. He brings a unique customer perspective, a broad understanding of the airline business and proven track record of success," Mr. Coulter said.
"While it remains a particularly difficult time for the aviation sector, I'm delighted to join Gate Gourmet and stay within the industry," said David Siegel. "I have long been impressed by Gate Gourmet's commitment to quality and service as a leading supplier to airlines, and I look forward to working with our customers and employees to find innovative ways to adapt to today's challenging environment."
"Henning has provided outstanding leadership over the past eight years; first in building Gate Gourmet into a truly global company and then, in recent years, during a time of unprecedented change in the industry," said Coulter. "We are especially appreciative of his contributions post-September 11th and during the transition in ownership from the Swissair Group to Texas Pacific Group."
Separately, the company announced that George Alvord, 58, president, Division Americas, will, as planned for several months, retire effective July 31, 2004. George will step up to become chairman, Division Americas, to ensure the continuation of the company's high level commitment to its customers and business. The company will announce a successor to the position of president, Division Americas, shortly.
"We are very grateful to George for his invaluable contribution to the development of our all important US operation. Since our acquisition of Dobbs five years ago, and particularly during the most recent turbulent times, he has provided great leadership to the business," said Henning Boysen.
"I also would like to take the opportunity to extend my good wishes to David Siegel and I am looking forward to supporting him in his new position," added Henning Boysen.
Note to Editors:
Gate Gourmet is a world leading airline catering company. Its turnover in 2003 amounted to CHF 2.3 billion. With the world's most important airlines among its customers, Gate Gourmet produces over 195 million meals per year and employs a staff of about 22'000 in its 120 flight kitchens. This international enterprise is located in 30 countries on all continents and, through its non-catering divisions, also offers supply chain management and in-flight operations management (e-gatematrix), inspection and validation services (Gatesafe) and in-flight equipment sourcing (FiveOceans).
Further Information: Connie Voigt Director Corporate Communications Gate Gourmet International, Zurich, Switzerland Media Line: +41 43 812 7117 Cell: +41 79 517 4082 E-mail: [email protected]
Owen Blicksilver For Texas Pacific Group Owen Blicksilver Public Relations, Inc., USA +1-516-742-5950 (office) +1-917-874-4485 (pager) [email protected]
Gate Gourmet International Corporate Communications CH-8058 Zurich Airport Switzerland Phone: +41 43 812 71 17 Fax: +41 1 810 91 75 [email protected] www.gategourmet.com
