Pall-Ex UK Managing Director Barry Byers

Pall-Ex Group has strengthened its senior management team with two new appointments.

Former Palletways network development director, Barry Byers (pictured), becomes new UK MD while Martin Rantle has been named non-executive chairman, after previously serving as vice president of sales for DHL.

Both will be instrumental in growing Pall-Ex operations in the UK and internationally, the company said.

Rantle will join the team in January with Byers joining him in March 2020.

The new appointments come following  a management buyout in October which saw founder, owner and chairwoman Hilary Devey sell the group to its network membership and management.

David Fairbrother of ADD Express, Maggie Larimore of PMB Pallets and Craig Stevens of STD Developments, who have worked with Devey for more than 20 years, negotiated the transaction alongside group CEO Kevin Buchanan.

Having worked in logistics his entire career and with previous key roles at Royal Mail and TNT, Byers is said to have extensive experience in the sector and in building pallet network membership and profits.

With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Martin Rantle, formerly of TNT and Palletline, brings "vast experience and commercial expertise in international development", which will be pivotal to developing core UK operations and international expansion plans.

Commented Buchanan: “These are exciting times for the company and the new appointments will prove invaluable in accelerating our growth in the next few years as we take Pall-Ex to the next level.

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“We are proud to be reinforcing our team for this new era with such experienced and knowledgeable individuals as Barry and Martin, who will support Pall-Ex’s status as the number one network for quality.

“As a force in logistics, both are well-known and well-respected for making real impact, with proven results in developing operations at home and internationally, while also building pallet network memberships.”

Added Byers: “I cannot wait to get started! Leading Pall-Ex in the UK is a fantastic opportunity and I am delighted to be part of the experienced team as we strengthen the business for the future.

“Supporting and developing our network in the UK is my number one priority as we help our members grow and future-proof their own businesses.”

Rantle said: “I am proud to be part of the team leading Pall-Ex into its next chapter and to be working alongside such respected names in the industry.

“Pall-Ex has already made a major impact internationally and I’m looking forward to building on these foundations as well as support the strengthened senior management team.”

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