ALASTAIR Shanks is the new managing director of compressed air distributor Airchannel, and will be based at their support office in Burrell Road, Ipswich.

ALASTAIR Shanks is the new managing director of compressed air distributor Airchannel, and will be based at their support office in Burrell Road, Ipswich.

Mr Shanks, 31, follows in his father's footsteps in his new role.

He joined the firm in 2004 after working at Unilever.

As logistics director, he has overseen the integration of the Anglair and Woodside Pneumatics businesses as Airchannel, with the most recent acquisition, E&B Air Compressors due to be amalgamated at the end of the year.

It has been a challenging task, as different cultures, systems and processes had to be combined to create one unified group.

He said he was “looking forward” to the challenges he will face in his new role.

“Although I have a hard act to follow in the shape of my father, Gavin, I am very grateful to have his continued support as chairman of the company, as well as a very experienced and committed senior management team,” he said.

“We are a thriving business supported by great staff. One of my priorities is to build on our excellent team through development and coaching and also by recruiting passionate and driven people.”

Airchannel, an independent family business, has more than 200 employees based around 13 regional offices in the UK.