Europa Worldwide Group has appointed entrepreneur Rob Jones (pictured) as its first non-executive director.
Jones, who worked closely with Europa MD Andrew Baxter when he acquired the company in 2013, has the immediate task of reviewing the company’s strategy across all divisions in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He will also advise on future post-Brexit business opportunities.
Baxter said Jones' entrepreneurial skills will be valuable to the company going forward. He is one of four founders of security firm VSG which grew organically to become the UK’s fourth largest security provider before being acquired by Compass Group in 2010.
Baxter added: “Rob’s role will include reviewing the strategy for Europa Worldwide Group, across all divisions, while providing high-level advice, covering various opportunities which the company is currently investigating.
“At the moment, Rob’s short-term focus will be on reviewing the company’s strategy in the context of COVID-19 and how we need to adapt to make the best of what is undoubtedly a difficult operating environment.
“In addition, Rob will be assisting with the company’s desire to maximise opportunities flowing from Brexit and how we navigate through those changes, when they do come into effect.
“As a very successful entrepreneur with an impressive track record, we welcome Rob’s expertise during these uncertain times, and we’re very much looking forward to having him back with the Europa family.”
Rob Jones said: “I’m delighted to be working with Andrew Baxter again. Having been involved in the early days it’s a privilege to come back and see how successful the business has become and how much it has grown since I was last here.
“Europa has a high quality and stable senior management team so I’m looking forward to working alongside them all again. Over the past few years, the company has performed extremely well and although there are clearly some short-term complexities ahead, I’m confident we can work together to deliver Europa’s long-term growth plans.”
Europa Worldwide employs more than 950 people across six divisions – Europa Road, Europa Air & Sea, Europa Warehouse, Europa Showfreight, Europa Contact Centre and Continental Cargo Carriers.
