Two more leave as Pace shake-up continues

Saltaire-based Pace said that Mark Loughran, president of the group’s international arm, has been replaced by Shane McCarthy.

The set-top box giant has also axed the role of chief strategy officer, resulting in the departure of Scott Sheldon.

That brings the total number of senior departures to six since former Asda CEO Allan Leighton was named chairman in May last year.

Mr Pulli, who was president of Pace Americas for almost eight years, replaced Neil Gaydon as CEO in December.

He has since been simplifying and streamlining management to ensure business heads report directly to him. Pace got rid of the chief operating officer role in January, resulting in the departure of David McKinney.

New finance director Roddy Murray took over from Stuart Hall in February.

Mr Pulli’s former position as president of Pace Americas was filled by Tim O’Loughlin.

Director of communications Helen Kettleborough left last year.

Pace is under pressure to revitalise the company following three profit warnings and steep falls in its share price.

It was battered last year by a range of problems including severe flooding in Thailand, the Japanese tsunami and a delayed order from a large US customer.

However, departures are now expected to slow, as key positions have largely been replaced or made obsolete.

Mr Loughran was appointed in September 2010 from mobile phone firm Nokia, where he was UK and Ireland managing director. Mr McCarthy, who has been with Pace for almost seven years, will lead a $1bn business with more than 700 staff.

Mr Pulli said: “Shane’s ... appointment as president reflects his track record of excellence and guarantees a stable, seamless transition that will benefit Pace’s customers and support the company’s continued growth in these extremely important global territories.”