Components distributor Arrow Microtronica is looking to centralise more functions to continental Europe after parting company with UK managing director Les Billing.

Billing, who has been at the helm since 1998, said the UK operation will now be spearheaded out of the firm’s Frankfurt office by Jay Debisz, Arrow Microtronica’s European director. The distributor recently centralised its European logistics in the Netherlands, leading to redundancies in the UK.

Billing, who has been in the components channel since the late 1980s, said: “I have a lot of experience in running businesses, which is relevant to all sectors. But I would not rule out the possibility of returning to the IT or electronics industry.”

Ed Bateman, hard drive director at rival distributor Bell Micro, said: “I can understand the need to centralise and drive efficiencies, but if you do not have someone driving a business locally, I would expect it to be a challenge.”