10) Tim Slater, MD, Transport, Energy & Chemicals, Engineering & Manufacturing, DHL Supply Chain
A long job title means a busy MD, but among his many responsibilities Slater’s team is ultimately in charge of designing, specifying, procuring and managing the DHL Supply Chain Transport division fleet of 7,000 trucks.
While this is in itself might justify Slater’s position in the Top 20, the real reason for his inclusion this time is the possible dash for gas by major fleets in 2015. Low carbon fuels have been around for years but this might just be the year when methane (natural gas) moves from the green fringe to mainstream. Even before the latest DfT-funded low carbon trials are complete several major operators including Asda and Howard Tenens have begun buying or converting substantial numbers of dual fuel diesel/gas trucks. DHL now has nearly 200 on the road, and as the number of vehicles rises so does the number of filling stations.
DHL is big enough to carry its own gas fuelling infrastructure and so Slater could lead the way for mass adoption of natural gas powered heavy trucks.
Over the next 20 days we will be counting down our Top 20. As ever, we’d welcome your feedback and input into the debate. Send us your thoughts on Twitter - @Motor_Transport - using the hashtag #MTPowerPlayers