Tuffnells Parcel Express has appointed Chris Ward as MD, effective 29 June.

Ward joins the company from the role of chief operating officer (business transformation) at B&Q, where he was responsible for operations across the retailer’s supply chain, logistics, IT and property sectors.

The group’s chief executive Lloyd Dunn will step down on on 1 September, but will remain at the company as chairman until 31 December supporting Ward and the management team of the enlarged group.

The changes come after Connect Group’s acquisition of Tuffnells at the end of 2014.  The £113.4m deal was made as a part of Connect Group’s ongoing diversification strategy.

Connect Group CEO Mark Cashmore said: "We are delighted to have recruited Chris to lead the next stage of Tuffnells' development. These are exciting times for the business and Chris's knowledge and experience in supporting operational delivery means he is ideally suited to drive the continued growth of the Connect Parcel Freight Division.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank Lloyd for his leadership of Tuffnells and his support through the acquisition process, and to wish him all the best in his future endeavours."