Allan Davison

Fuel distribution and transport giant Hoyer Petrolog has instigated a major restructuring in response to declining demand for diesel and petrol and the rise in alternative fuels.

The restructure sees Hoyer’s Petrolog and Gaslog divisions combined into a new contract division and Allan Davison (pictured), former operations director, replacing Mark Binns as MD.

Binns is remaining with the company and will be responsible for its group safety, health, environment, quality (SHEQ) and sustainability activity.

Jonathan Lawrence, formerly divisional director of field operations has also been promoted to UK & Ireland operations director.

He joined Hoyer in 2008 and will oversee petroleum, bitumen and airport distribution operations in the UK and Ireland, managing 1,130 drivers, 115 staff, 55 managers and 500 vehicles.

The new MD will head up Hoyer’s new contract division which Hoyer said has been created to meet the challenge of the energy transition in the next five to ten years – away from petrol and diesel and towards alternative fuels such as hydrogen and LNG.

Davison has been with Hoyer for almost 20 years after joining the company’s graduate development scheme. he formerly held transport manager and contract manager roles for the food, bitumen and petroleum sectors.

In 2013 Davison became UK & Ireland operations director before taking on a wider European operations role early last year.

He said: “Having worked for Hoyer for most of my adult life, it is fair to say that I have grown up with the business and developed my skills and understanding of the complexities of our sector within the wider logistics industry working alongside a high calibre team of colleagues across the company, led by Mark Binns.

“Alongside the many tributes that have come into Mark from all over the industry, I must add my own debt of gratitude to him.

“Mark’s passion and energy has led to huge growth in the business, both in terms of turnover and reputation and he is handing over the business with a significant platform for further growth which is a great credit to him.”

Looking to the future, Davison added: “Whilst we are in unprecedented times, where our market has been severely affected by the pandemic, there will be no change in our overall strategic direction – the business continues to want to grow in a declining fuels market but can now, through combining of the two divisions, look at the transition to alternative fuels such as hydrogen and liquified natural gas in a more unified way.

“Our business is robust but we need to make sure we move with the times and stay ahead by anticipating change and moving into new areas for growth. Our great focus will remain in continuing to provide safe, high quality and high efficiency logistics solutions to our clients, whilst staying true to the values of the organisation.”

Lawrence said: “I am honoured at this point in my career to take on the role of operations director for Hoyer in the UK & Ireland. I have been fortunate in progressing through the business during an exciting period of growth which has reflected the changing nature of the industry.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing the growth and the success that I’ve seen at Hoyer over the last 12 years.”

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