Skills for Logistics (SfL) has announced the sudden departure of its chief executive, Mick Jackson. Jackson (pictured), who had been in the post for five years, has been replaced with immediate effect by his former deputy, Ross Moloney, while the board seeks a new chief executive.

In a written statement from SfL, Jackson said his time at the sector skills council had been “an incredible journey” but added: “However, in discussions with the board, I felt there was a need for someone to be able to commit strongly to the new strategy for the next five years and I didn’t feel that was appropriate for me”.

A spokesman for SfL said he could not comment further on whether Jackson's departure was a direct result of the introduction of the new five-year plan, which the organisation has said will involve "a greater emphasis on deeper commercial activities".

SfL chairman Paul Brooks said Jackson had been “an outstanding servant” for the organisation and “a passionate champion for skills development”.