Former TNT UK boss joins Whistl as it targets parcel market growth

Whistl has brought in former TNT MD Alistair Cochrane as it ramps up its presence in the parcel delivery sector.

Cochrane spent three decades at TNT UK, serving as MD for four of these before leaving in 2014. He more recently spent two years at Parcelforce as its operations director.

He will return to his former sister company Whistl as its chief development director on 2 July.

In its results released earlier this month, Whistl announced its intention to increase its focus on parcel delivery as the mail market dwindles; mail volumes declined 0.4% in 2017.

The operator said its ability to offer a full range of services, from mail and parcels to fulfilment services, will protect the business from stagnating letter volumes.

The director's report in the results for 2017 said Whistl was "well positioned to acquire new customers and continue to cross-sell within our existing customer base", and added that it had strong opportunities to grow its parcel market share because of the e-commerce boom.

Cochrane will join the Whistl executive board in his new role, and the business said his experience in parcels will bolster the management team.

Whistl CEO Nick Wells said: "We have known Alistair for many years and he brings to Whistl extensive experience in the parcels sector, an area where we have ambitious growth plans.

"Whistl is growing and we are pleased that we can bring on to the team the best talent to enable us to continue to provide our customers with the best quality, efficient and low-cost services.”

Cochrane added: “I am delighted to join the Whistl team at this exciting time in its development with its ambitious organic and acquisitive growth plans.

"Whistl is one of the most respected operators in this sector and I am looking forward to being part of the team driving the growth of the business.”