La VERGNE, TN – Ingram Digital Group and Lightning Source Inc., announced today that they have retained Michael Holdsworth, formerly of Cambridge University Press, as a special adviser to the two companies.

James R. Gray, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ingram Digital Group, and J. Kirby Best, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lightning Source Inc., said Mr. Holdsworth will bring valuable industry expertise to both companies. Together with Ingram Book Group, these companies offer a comprehensive set of physical and digital solutions to publishers and other owners of digital content.

Mr. Holdsworth was until earlier this year Managing Director of Cambridge University Press's UK-based business, which was responsible for about 70 percent of Cambridge's publishing and 50 percent of its sales.

He also had wide-ranging global responsibilities for change and new technology issues at Cambridge University Press, with a particular focus on content and rights management, production workflows, print on demand (POD), online and e-Book developments and services, industry standards and the supply chain.

Since leaving Cambridge University Press, he has continued to work with publishers and other businesses on digital publishing and e-content delivery.

Widely acknowledged as an expert in the field, Mr. Holdsworth is frequently sought as an authoritative speaker at publishing conferences. He is Chairman of Book Industry Communication, the UK book trade's supply chain body, and of the international steering 2 committee for the ONIX bibliographical standard. He is a member of the Booksellers Association’s Digital Task Force.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Michael to the team,” Mr. Gray said. “As Ingram Digital Group continues to grow and expand its range of e-content distribution products and services, Michael’s extensive industry knowledge and experience will be invaluable in helping us develop the right business strategies and market leading solutions, as well as effectively focusing our resources to meet the needs of our widening customer base.” Mr. Best said: “We are delighted to have attracted such a major and respected industry figure as Michael. His experience and knowledge in our particular areas of interest is unparalleled. Cambridge University Press was one of the early adopters of on demand printing and one of Lightning's earliest customers. It was very much Michael's vision that led Cambridge to be seen as a true innovator in this area of book publishing.”

Mr. Holdsworth, who will be starting in his new role immediately, said today: “Ingram's established and trusted role in the service of publishers and booksellers is unique. New initiatives to build out integrated digital capabilities alongside traditional strengths will be widely welcomed. I relish the challenge of being part of this future for Ingram."