Management Shifts at Ingram

-- Publishers Weekly, 6/28/1999

Ingram Industries has made several changes, effective immediately, in its management structure. Orrin Ingram III has been named president and CEO of the company, and John Ingram has been named vice-chairman of the board. Robin Ingram Patton has been elected to the board; Martha Ingram remains chairman.

Under the reorganization, John Ingram, who had been co-president of Ingram Industries with Orrin, will now report to his older brother. An Ingram spokesperson reported that the changes will permit John to devote more time to the Ingram Book Group, of which he is chairman. In an official statement, John Ingram said, "This combination of assignments for Orrin and me makes great sense, given the complexity of our overall business today and my desire to focus totally on the opportunities facing us in the book industry at this time."

In an interview with PW, John Ingram said the company "is being besieged with opportunities. It will be up to us to choose wisely." Although he wouldn't reveal details, Ingram said possibilities include new alliances, joint ventures and perhaps an acquisition. The Ingram Book Group, however, is not for sale. "That moment in time has passed," Ingram noted. The objective of the company now "is to make us the strongest service provider in the industry," Ingram declared.