Delamode appoints Fashion & Lifestyle Director

Xpediator, an international freight management & 3PL group, has appointed Penny Gradwell as a Director of the Fashion & Lifestyle division of Delamode International Logistics, the Group’s subsidiary in the freight forwarding division.

Gradwell joins the Group from Nippon Express, a substantial Japanese logistics conglomerate where she held a range of senior management positions and is highly experienced in Fashion, FMCG and e-commerce markets, including European road freight management. Gradwell’s role will be focused on expanding the customer base of the Fashion and Lifestyle division, targeting luxury fashion retailers such as boutiques, individual retail stores, and start-up businesses all over the world.

Customers will have access to Delamode’s one-stop-shop service for fashion retailers, which encompasses every element of the supply chain. Delamode’s international distribution network allows customers to safely and efficiently import items to the UK on a large or small scale, from individual designer items to raw fabric materials from both off and near shore manufacturing locations. Delamode’s Luxury London fashion facility also provides clients with a bonded warehousing solution and garment processing covering all valued added services, which is underpinned by a UK delivery network solution covering every postcode in the UK.

Luke Croome, COO of Xpediator’s Fashion and Lifestyle Division, said: “Penny has significant fashion, ecommerce and FMCG sector experience and I am delighted to welcome Penny as part of the team. There is no doubt demand is growing within the luxury fashion sector for the preference to place their trust in a single logistics provider and as a business we are well positioned to support these clients with every supply chain service.

“Environmental sustainability is also rightly a key talking point for our clients and as an environmentally responsible business I am excited about the plans we have in place to help offset our carbon emission, including the upgrading of our GOH fleet to electric powered vehicles in 2022.”

Gradwell added: “I am delighted to have joined Delamode International Logistics and look forward to adding more high-quality brands to their already impressive customer base.

“It is a fantastic conversation to be able to have with clients when you can offer a true end-to-end service solution delivered completely inhouse. Delamode International Logistics offers every service from international freight management, European distribution, customs clearances with bonded warehousing (London facility), e-commerce solutions, shop fit outs and garment processing covering all value-added services and not forgetting our UK delivery service providing final last mile deliveries of GOH, cartons and pallets.”

GEFCO UK appoints FVL director

GEFCO UK has announced the appointment of Youssef Bajddi as its new Finished Vehicle Logistics Director.

Bajddi has 14 years of experience working in international supply chain operations and strategy. He has been part of the GEFCO Group for the past 10 years, having joined the business in 2011 as a supply chain analyst.

During his time at GEFCO he has managed FVL control towers for key automotive clients’ worldwide flows, as well as being part of project teams charged with preparing operational transitions to new client FVL processes.

In his new role he will be responsible for strengthening GEFCO FVL’s position in the UK, helping the business manage and overcome future challenges, and improving the accommodation for EVs and new mobility solutions in GEFCO services.

Bajddi holds a master degree in Supply chain management, a FVL manager certificate from ECG Academy and executive Master of Business Administration from the ESSEC Business school in both France and Singapore.

Bajddi commented: “The automotive sector is currently going through some of the most significant shifts – in technology and consumer attitudes towards personal mobility – in living memory. It’s no doubt an exciting time to be working in this area, with many challenges and opportunities that we must be able to meet head-on in the coming years. I’m immensely proud to be entrusted with leading the GEFCO UK FVL team as the company looks to innovate its product offering, respond to emerging trends and deliver for customers.”

Cedric Chacon, Managing Director at GEFCO UK, added: “Throughout times of significant market change, strong leadership is vital. I’m confident that Youssef, with his years of industry expertise and knowledge of the wider GEFCO Group, is well-placed to deliver the excellent customer experience that we’ve come to be known for.”

STILL UK appoints new managing director

Intralogistics systems provider STILL Material Handling UK has appointed Gillian Reed as Managing Director with effect from 1st January 2022.

Reed was formerly Service and Operations Director at STILL UK, where she has been responsible for leading the development of the service team under STILL’s sales and service network.

Speaking about her new role, Reed said: “Like many businesses, the last 12 months has been challenging for STILL UK. However, despite navigating our way through COVID with the support of our excellent team we have strengthened our business model with the formation of our new hybrid sales and service network consisting of direct sales and service, Exclusive Distributors and Regional Partners.

“As I look to the future, the needs and satisfaction of our customers are the foundation of our business and I have been proud to set high standards in our service business with our consistent Net Promotor Score which will remain front and centre for all that we do.”

Reed added. “I am very much looking forward to leading the UK business and it’s fantastic colleagues as we forge ahead with our exciting agenda.”

Reed replaces Torsten Wiecker, who has taken up a new role as Vice President Brand Management STILL EMEA.

Baoli appoints new MD

Christian Bischof (pictured) has been appointed to run KION Group’s Baoli brand in the EMEA region with effect from 1st October, 2021. As Managing Director Baoli EMEA S.p.A. he succeeds Francesco Pampuri, who led the organisation on an interim basis since January 1, 2021, and will now focus on brand positioning and marketing activities of the Baoli brand in the EMEA region as Director Brand Management.

“We have a great chance to further explore the market potential in the region with Baoli. especially for the entry-level segment of the material handling market I am seeing very solid growth opportunities in the years to come,” Bischof predicts.

According to him, there are many customers who are looking for entry-level forklift trucks without a wide range of technical options. “Baoli develops and builds industrial trucks that meet precisely these customer requirements.”

To do this, the company makes use of its cost-efficient production base in China and combines this with European development and engineering expertise. “With our competence as well as our experienced international team, we want to contribute to the profitable growth of the traditional and at the same time future-oriented Baoli brand in the EMEA region.”

Christian Bischof, 42, graduated in business administration in Germany and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the United States. Since 2009, he has worked for various companies in the KION Group on different continents. Bischof’s previous positions include Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Linde Hydraulics, Director of Strategy, Business Development and Dealer Network at KION North America and, most recently, Senior Director of Market Intelligence and Corporate Strategy at KION’s headquarters in Frankfurt am Main.

Baoli is a major manufacturer of industrial trucks from Asia with a solid and well-organised structure in Europe, the Middle East and Africa that is not only able to tap into the market but also guarantees a high quality of service. To this end, the subsidiary of the global intralogistics company KION Group has consistently expanded its range of after-sales services in recent years.

The central product and spare parts warehouse in Milan, Italy, covers an area of around 14,000 sq m with an availability of more than 300 trucks ready for delivery and a dedicated spare parts area of 11,000 sq m. The northern Italian city is also home to the Baoli EMEA headquarters.

The Baoli brand targets entry-level customer groups and offers affordable solutions for daily material handling with reliable and easy-to-use equipment. The company offers a comprehensive range of counterbalance trucks, including 3- and 4-wheel electric forklift trucks with load capacities from 1.5 to 3.5t, IC engine-powered forklift trucks from 1.5 to 10.0t, as well as a variety of warehouse equipment such as low lift and high lift pallet trucks.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the international player is currently active in more than 50 countries with a network of over 350 dealers and intends to greatly expand the dealer network.

AR Racking appoints sales director for southern Europe

AR Racking, a specialist in industrial storage solutions, has appointed Jimmy Andersson as its new Sales Director for Southern Europe. Andersson will therefore be responsible for leading the commercial management of the company’s adjustable pallet racking storage system projects in Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Andersson joined the company at the end of 2017 to head up the sales management of the Nordic countries, Eastern Europe and South Africa, a position that he will continue to hold and combine with his new role.

“I embark on this new stage with the goal of positioning AR Racking as the undisputed leading supplier of comprehensive storage solutions in Southern European countries and to continue with the growth we have been experiencing in Northern and Eastern markets on the continent,” stated Andersson.

 

FourKites makes significant EMEA appointment

Global supply chain visibility platform FourKites has seen significant EMEA momentum and has thus hired industry veteran Marc Boileau as part of its aggressive growth strategy in the region.

Marc Boileau joins FourKites as Senior Vice President, Sales and Carrier Operations, EMEA. Boileau will accelerate the company’s European expansion, bringing tenured supply chain experience and an aggressive strategy to build partnerships with both carriers and shippers. Prior to joining FourKites, Marc held leadership and commercial roles at supply chain visibility companies, including project44 and Transporean.

“I am thrilled to be joining the FourKites team,” says Boileau. “With the biggest global brands on its platform and the largest data network in the industry, FourKites is driving unmatched innovation and a truly global end-to-end visibility experience. One of my top priorities is to build our network of carriers — including small and mid-size carriers — to ensure the value they get is in line with the value they bring. They are truly the unsung heroes in our ecosystem.”

FourKites is investing more than €45m in our European expansion this year, both through organic growth and acquisitions, and Marc joining us is the latest milestone in this strategy,” says Mathew Elenjickal, founder and CEO of FourKites. “He is an excellent fit with the team, and his deep knowledge of the industry will help to propel our European presence to new heights.”

As the pandemic and an unprecedented series of disruptions continue to challenge global supply chains, including a European energy crisis, food shortages, labour shortages and more, European and multinational companies continue to turn to FourKites to track goods from origin to final destination to reduce costs, improve the customer experience and maximise business agility.

Over the last 12 months, the company has seen:

  • 148% growth in shipments in EMEA, with over 850+ million miles tracked in 2021 to date
  • A nearly 100% increase in new or existing FourKites customers starting to track loads in EMEA
  • More than 35% growth in number of carriers tracking loads in Europe
  • 2.5x growth in monthly less than truckload (LTL) volume in Europe

 

 

Clark Europe makes director appointment

Clark Europe has appointed Andy Baldy as its new Director Parts Sales & Admin. Baldy is responsible for the areas of sales, order processing and purchasing of spare parts as well as technical parts support.

“We wish Mr Baldy every success in his new role,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe. “As an experienced employee who has already successfully demonstrated his skills and professional commitment in the spare parts business for more than ten years in various positions for our company, the promotion to Director Parts Sales & Admin was a logical consequence.”

Baldy began his professional career after studying sales management at Intrupa BV in the Netherlands in the area of customer service and marketing. This was followed by a move to Büsch Gabelstapler in Kerken, where he worked as Sales Manager. Andy Baldy has been on board of Clark Europe GmbH since 2010 – initially as Parts Sales Manager and since September 2020 as Parts Manager Clark Europe. In this role, he has managed the Sales, Customer Service and Purchasing of the parts department and team.

“I am happy about the trust that is placed in me,” explains Baldy on the occasion of his promotion. “Enjoying the work and success is my great motivator. However, lasting success is only possible together, so I would like to have a lasting positive influence on the spare parts business with my team.”

Big Box appoints new marketing head

Big Box Group has announced that Lucie Stephenson has been appointed Head of Marketing.

Stephenson, previously Product Manager at Haribo UK and Marketing Manager at Costcutter Supermarkets Group, brings a wealth of marketing knowledge to Big Box Group as it continues to grow and establish itself in the Intralogistics, Automation and Buildings sectors.

Stephenson reports to Managing Director, Iain Gillard, and takes up her post with immediate effect. Stephenson has responsibility for Big Box Group’s overall marketing strategy and execution, brand development and messaging in the marketplace.

Iain Gillard said: “We are delighted to confirm Lucie as our new Head of Marketing at Big Box Group. She has great experience and brings a wealth of marketing expertise that will help us continue to drive forward our ambitious growth plans.”

Lucie began her career in product marketing at confectionery giant, Haribo, working her way up to Product Manager before moving to Costcutter Supermarkets Group (responsible for over 1,550 stores nationwide) as Marketing Manager.

Stephenson said: “It is a really exciting time for Big Box Group, as it continues to expand. The organisation has grown from its roots in intralogistics and now has a strong presence in the buildings and automation sectors. I am really looking forward to working with the team to build on what has been done so far and to bring some new and innovative ideas to the table in order to further drive the reach of Big Box Group.”

Dematic appoints new UK and Ireland boss

Dematic has appointed Steffen Thierfelder as the Market Leader of Dematic UK and Ireland. In this role, Theirfelder will be responsible for sales growth and supporting overall business development to further strengthen Dematic’s position as a global provider of intelligent automation solutions.

Thierfelder, previously Dematic’s Senior Director of Business Solutions for Northern Europe, will report into the EMEA executive team and be responsible for driving Order Intake, Sales and developing the team across the UK and Ireland.

The move comes at a time when European retail is undergoing a significant transition, mainly driven by the growth of eCommerce. As a result, there has been a substantial increase in demand for logistical fulfilment centres with small order pick and pack capabilities.

Theirfelder said: “The demand for scalable automated solutions, not only in the grocery sector but also in e-commerce, apparel, food & beverage and manufacturing is growing at a rapid rate. In this role, my focus will be on helping the sales team to provide the right systems, software and support to our UK and Irish customers during this exciting, and sometimes challenging, period of change.”

Bernard Biolchini (CEO EMEA) added: “We are delighted to announce Steffen’s new role within Dematic. His experience, skills and drive for success will further deliver on our commitment in helping customers realise their long-term development goals. His key differentiator is his ability to develop highly motivated teams while actively managing their succession and retention to drive growth.”

Before joining Dematic, Theirfelder was the Divisional Managing Director at Prettl Pro where he contributed to the significant business growth in the Capital Goods industry. He has also held senior sales leadership positions across Europe and the Middle East.

Theirfelder’s appointment further strengthens Dematic’s commitment to delivering solutions and products covering all material handling requirements, alongside its sister companies Linde MH and Still, to meet the needs of its customers across multiple sectors.

UKWA announces new CEO

The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has appointed Clare Bottle FCILT as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1st July 2021.

Clare, who will take over the role from Peter Ward, joins UKWA from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, where she was Associate Director of Warehousing, responsible for managing 3PL contracts and running in-house warehousing operations across the UK.

Her career includes delivery of successful logistics projects as an interim manager for clients such as Kuehne+Nagel, M&S, Yodel and Bunzl. Later, she became National Logistics Manager for Lafarge Tarmac before joining Coca-Cola in 2015.

Speaking on behalf of the UKWA management board, newly elected Chair of the UKWA management board Neil Bowker warmly welcomed Bottle’s appointment: “The UKWA board is delighted to confirm Clare Bottle as our new CEO,” he said. “Clare brings tremendous industry experience to the role, having worked in the logistics arena for over 25 years. She enjoys a reputation for driving change and I have no doubt that Clare will continue to fight for our industry as the head of its leading trade association.”

Bottle was one of the founder members of Women in Logistics. In recent years she has also been a trustee of CILT (UK) and of Transaid, UKWA’s nominated charity.

Commenting on her appointment, Bottle said: “I am passionate about warehousing and logistics and am delighted to have the opportunity to make a difference in the industry in my new role. I believe it is vital for the future to attract and nurture best talent to our industry; careers are an essential engine of social mobility and I am committed to making the logistics profession increasingly equitable and inclusive. Above all, it is my ambition as CEO of UKWA to secure for warehousing and logistics operations the place they deserve at the heart of the UK economy.”

Ward, who has led UKWA for the last six years, will be stepping down to semi-retirement, but has pledged his support for Bottle as she takes up her new role as CEO.

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