Yusen Logistics has appointed Kevin Appleton as its new managing director in the UK. He replaces Ian Veitch, who was recently promoted to managing director of the company’s European operations, and moves over from his role as divisional chairman at UK builders’ merchant, Travis Perkins. He takes up the new role on April 14 and will be based at Yusen Logistics’ UK headquarters at Grange Park in Northampton.
“These remain challenging times for the logistics industry, with ever longer supply chains and an increasing demand for logistics solutions to support clients’ multi-channel distribution strategies, together with a constant need to improve efficiency and reduce cost,” said Appleton. “Yusen Logistics has the basic elements in place to satisfy all of these demands, and a fantastically experienced and committed team. I am excited about the opportunities before us and look forward to getting to know colleagues and customers over the next few months.”
Appleton began his career with the Royal Mail and then spent several years with the vehicle rental firm NFC, becoming sales and marketing director of their parcel division Lynx. He left to join US transport and logistics firm Caliber Logistics during their European business planning phase, working with Boston Consulting Group in America.
Having worked on the strategy for Caliber’s development in Europe, he was appointed managing director, Europe and between 1995 and 1999 developed the business into an organisation covering seven countries.
Since then, Appleton has held senior positions outside the logistics industry. He is also a Board member of the UK Freight Transport Association and a non-executive director of Finnish equipment rental firm Ramirent.
