The chief executive of north west-headquartered Kinaxia Logistics has been appointed to the board of business group Logistics UK.
Simon Hobbs has been appointed as a non-executive director of the group to help guide it as it leads the industry in its post-pandemic recovery.
Simon has been CEO of Kinaxia since January 2020. Kinaxia is a top 15 UK logistics group employing more than 1,800 staff nationwide and has a fleet of over 850 vehicles which transport goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.
The group, which has its HQ in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service. It is one of the UK’s fastest-growing logistics businesses, with annual revenues now exceeding £200m.
As well as its HQ in the north west, Kinaxia has a strong presence across the region, with sites at locations including Trafford Park, Stalybridge and Appleton in Warrington.
Simon has over 35 years’ experience in the sector across the UK and overseas. Before joining Kinaxia, he held senior roles with companies including DHL Supply Chain, CEVA Logistics and Kuehne + Nagel.
He is one of three new appointments to the board of Logistics UK. The others are Louisa Hosegood, the strategy and transformation director for Bis Henderson Group, and Gavin Murdoch, managing director of network transport solutions at DHL Supply Chain.
Phil Roe, president of Logistics UK, said: “Our new directors join us at an exciting time in our organisation’s development and each brings a wealth of knowledge and business acumen which will be invaluable as we continue to drive Logistics UK forwards.
“The organisation passed 20,000 members for the first time recently, and we have ambitious plans for the year ahead. I look forward to working with them to deliver for our membership and the wider logistics industry.
“Over the past few years, Logistics UK has established a reputation for excellence, building a significant presence for the sector with parliament and other stakeholders.
“Alongside our existing expert board members, I am confident that our new directors will provide the challenge and impetus the organisation needs to continue its growth and deliver on its ambitious plans for the sector.”
Simon Hobbs said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join the board of Logistics UK. It is a major player in the sector, representing more than 20,000 members across the supply chain.
“The UK’s logistics sector employs over seven million people and provides the backbone to our national economy.
“Leading one of the UK’s major logistics companies ensures I am keenly aware of the key challenges facing our sector, and I look forward to being a voice for the industry on behalf of Logistics UK and the sector as a whole.”
