Executive Vice-President Commercial and Marketing Béatrice Delorme has left the company. Taking over responsibility for commercial operations, marketing and buying will be Ambroise Fondeur, who rejoins Aelia as Deputy CEO, Commercial and Marketing. In addition to his responsibilities within Aelia’s existing businesses, including managing the marketing team of SDA, Ambroise will 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 Lagardère Services network worldwide.

Ambroise rejoins the Aelia Group from its parent company Lagardère 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. Philippe will take on responsibility for supply chain organisation and for the financial administration of all future development projects undertaken by the Group.

Philippe has been at the Aelia Group since 2005 following roles at various companies within the Lagardère 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 Béatrice 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 Lagardère 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.”

On left: Ambroise Fondeur, Aelia's new Deputy CEO, Commercial and Marketing