Pall-Ex Group has announced the appointment of Barry Byers as interim group chief executive officer. His appointment follows the departure of former group CEO, Kevin Buchanan, who left the business on 9 October.
Having most recently held the role of group chief operating officer, Barry Byers – a logistics heavyweight with experience in delivering service excellence and innovative solutions to accelerate growth – will be stepping into the position as the company prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
Barry has been with the business, a leading global palletised freight distribution network, since 2019, where he helped to lead the organisation through challenging market conditions, including the Covid-19 pandemic and its acquisition and merger with Fortec. Before that, he held senior positions at Palletways, Royal Mail and TNT Express.
Commenting on his appointment, Barry Byers, said: ‘I am delighted to be stepping into the role of interim CEO at Pall-Ex Group, at such a significant time for the business and wider market. Over the last three decades, Pall-Ex has developed an excellent reputation for reliable and innovative palletised freight distribution, as well as an unwavering support for its network members across the UK and Europe.
‘My immediate focus is to ensure our customers and members continue to receive the exceptional service they have come to expect over the last 30 years. Building on this solid foundation, we will also continue investing in technology that gives our network even more visibility, smarter innovations and real day to day advantage – equipping our members with the tools they need to meet today’s industry challenges head on. I am really looking forward to the challenge.’
Barry will also be joined by founder member and current Pall-Ex Investments board member, Craig Stevens, who will take up the role of interim chairman of the Pall-Ex Investments Board with immediate effect.
The business plans to communicate permanent succession plans in due course.