LSG Sky Chefs announces new chief operating officer

Irving - LSG Sky Chefs, the world's largest provider of quality in-flight catering, today announced that Travis L. Tanner has joined the company as chief operating officer for the Americas Region, headquartered here. Tanner will be responsible for oversight of all regional operations, including field operations, finance, human resources, sales, product engineering, information technology and corporate communications in LSG Sky Chefs' Americas Region.

Tanner brings more than 30 years of travel and hospitality industry expertise to the LSG Sky Chefs Americas Region, with specialized knowledge in expansion and restructuring of large businesses. Prior to joining LSG Sky Chefs, Tanner was the chief executive officer of Project Roam, a low-cost airline based in Pittsburgh. He previously served as executive vice president with ANC Rental Corporation, which owns Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental. Tanner also founded Grand Expeditions, Inc., one of the premier upscale tour operators in North America, after six years at the helm of Carlson Travel Group. During one of two stints with Carlson Travel Group, he oversaw the company's merger with Wagonlit Travel. In addition, during a period in which he'd left Carlson, he held three simultaneous leadership positions with Walt Disney Attractions, including president of the Walt Disney Travel Company, executive vice president of resorts and senior vice president of sales. A native of Gulfport, Miss., Tanner began his career in 1972 with Republic Airlines, which is now Northwest Airlines.

Ulrich Broescher, global executive vice president for LSG Sky Chefs and acting chief operating officer for the Americas Region, will assist with the executive transition. Broescher has announced his retirement from LSG Sky Chefs.

"We are excited to welcome Travis to our team. His insight and expertise will be an asset to the region," said Hanns R. Rech, chairman and chief executive officer of LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG. "At the same time, we thank Ulrich for his service to LSG Sky Chefs. He has played a key role in creating a new vision for our company's Americas Region."

LSG Sky Chefs is the world's largest provider of integrated in-flight solutions, including catering, procurement, equipment, retail and In-flight Management. LSG Sky Chefs caters 270 airlines from more than 200 customer service centers in 48 countries. LSG Sky Chefs produces around 313 million airline meals a year. In 2003, the companies belonging to LSG Sky Chefs Group achieved consolidated revenues of 2.7 billion euro.