Rising corporate star Stephen Koller moves to take helm of AMI as CEO

AIR MENZIES International (AMI) has appointed Stephen Kollar as its new CEO to help the air freight wholesaler grow through increased focus on online activities and geographical reach.

During his 12 years at AMI's parent, Menzies Aviation plc, Mr Koller has worked on various high-value projects that have re-shaped the business, and helped propel it to become a leading ground handler with sales exceeding US$1 billion.

Mr Koller's management background and IT expertise are now expected to help the company become stronger in the online quoting and booking of air freight, which is a process started in 2000, and has resulted in up to 45 per cent of the business being transacted online at its flagship UK branch, a company statement said.

The new CEO first assumed responsibility for managing AMI in late 2010, while continuing in his position as executive vice president of IT for parent Menzies Aviation. He has now relinquished his IT responsibilities, following the appointment of Martin Gallington as senior vice president IT, and the successful completion of a phased handover.

In addition to his full-time post as CEO, Mr Koller continues as one of the four executive directors of Menzies Aviation plc.

Said Menzies Aviation president Craig Smyth: "I have ambitious growth plans for AMI over the next five years, and Stephen is just the man to deliver - now on a full-time basis."

Mr Koller is a math and business administration graduate with an MBA in information systems. He spent his early career in software development, followed by NGO work in developing countries for US-based International Executive Service Corps. In 1997 he joined Ogden Aviation, a major ground handler whose acquisition by Menzies Aviation in 2000 provided the latter's launch into global handling. He relocated to the UK from his native US in 2001.