Pallet and container pool provider Chep has appointed Murray Gilder (pictured) as its new vice-president of automotive EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). He replaces David Mayo, who moved last year to become vice-president of global accounts and intercontinental at the Chep Automotive and Industrial Solutions division.
Gilder, whose new role involves overall responsibility for the financial and commercial performance of Chep’s automotive business in the region, was previously with materials testing company, Exova, where he was director of oil, gas and industrials, covering the UK, Italy and the Netherlands. In that role, he led the company’s diversification from a purely oil and gas business into various other sectors, reducing its reliance on oil and gas by 30% as well as re-engineering the business to make it competitive through the oil price crisis.
Speaking about the automotive supply chain, Gilder said there was a shift in demand for more comprehensive services from Chep.
“There is a growing demand for us to be so much more than mere packaging providers, but rather true partners able to supply complete solutions, able to traverse the full supply chain,” said Gilder. “Another important trend is the embedding of digital technologies – these are becoming key differentiators, especially as we see electric and hybrid cars becoming the norm.
“These trends will transform the industry and I believe that Chep is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in this transition,” he added. “I’m excited to be part of an innovative and truly sustainable organisation such as this.”
