Cert Octavian

Cert Octavian appoints new Managing Director

11th March 2008

11th March 2008

Cert Octavian, the UK’s leading provider of Premium Product Logistics, today announced the appointment of Anthony Finlayson-Green as its new Managing Director. Finlayson-Green will take responsibility for driving new growth within the business and ensuring that the infrastructure and all operational processes and procedures are geared to deliver outstanding levels of customer service.

Anthony Finlayson-Green, 46, joins from LSG SkyChefs, part of the Lufthansa Group, where he was General Manager of its UK operations. LSG SkyChefs UK has a £220 million turnover, seven owned operations and through partnering service, 22 UK airports with over 2,000 staff. During his tenure, Finlayson-Green was responsible for turning around the London Gatwick business from £2.7 million loss to a £2 million profit within two years. He also oversaw and directed the successful start-up of the Tui Thomsonfly service and logistics contract (£40m) across 22 locations in an eight-week period. He also integrated seven major airlines service and logistics at London Heathrow in just five months.

Prior to LSG SkyChefs, Finlayson-Green was a Regional General Manager at Alpha Airports Group PLC, the UK’s largest supplier of retailing and catering services for airlines and airports. As well as having accountability for £120 million turnover and 12 of its operating units, he was also responsible for setting new benchmarks and dramatically improving service standards for customers that included British Airways, United Airlines, Britannia and Ryan Air. Prior to Alpha Airports, Finlayson-Green was also Managing Director of Gate Gourmet International’s Ireland division.

Nigel Jagger, chairman and owner, Cert Octavian, commented:
“I am delighted that Anthony has decided to join Cert Octavian at what is a significant time for the transformation of our business. We operate in increasingly challenging times, but have invested a great deal in creating a brand and proposition that clearly differentiates us within the market. Our challenge is to ensure that our infrastructure, operational processes and customer service standards are a class apart. Anthony’s experience of working in the aviation industry, which is widely considered to be the most challenging for logistics, and the successes he has consistently delivered, suggest that he is the right person to lead Cert Octavian to new heights.”

Anthony Finlayson-Green stated: “Cert Octavian is a company that is committed to progression. Despite the continued consolidation within the industry, it is a business that has expertise and dominates in a specialist and specific area of the market. As a brand, Cert Octavian does not just stand for this premium positioning but for the care and pride it has as a business and in the services that it offers. I am confident that with the support of the management team, and the commitment that exists within the entire business, we will deliver against the ambitious objectives that have been set for Cert Octavian, realising the successes that it both desires and deserves.”

Michael Lainas, the current managing director, will hand over his role to Anthony Finlayson-Green as part of a structured succession programme. Lainas will remain in the business as a director, working with the board and the senior team to deliver against the company’s growth ambitions.

For press enquiries please contact Emma Streets at Propaganda on emma.streets@propaganda.co.uk or 0113 287 0123