February 16, 2007 – WIDELY travelled IFE executive Alan Pellegrini is leaving handheld provider IMS to take up a new post as head of Thales Avionics’ inflight entertainment operation.

Currently CEO of California-based IMS until his departure next week, Pellegrini includes among his previous jobs a swiftly terminated association with now-defunct air-to-ground aspirant SkyWay Aircraft. This was preceded by a succession of senior roles with Panasonic, Tenzing Communications (now part of connectivity provider OnAir) and Rockwell Collins.

In his two and a half years with IMS Pellegrini has seen the company triple in size and start this year with a record first quarter in which it expects to deliver more than 4,000 handheld units to five airlines.

“When Alan joined IMS our objective was to launch new and creative products, and position IMS as a substantial player in our markets,” says IMS chairman Joe Renton, who now takes over as CEO. “I believe we have accomplished these goals, and that we have built a solid foundation for continued growth. We greatly appreciate Alan’s contribution, and know that we will continue to collaborate at some level.”