Cris Stephenson is the new Pall-Ex UK managing director

Cris Stephenson has taken on the role of UK MD at Pall-Ex, succeeding Adrian Russell who becomes group MD, and assumes exclusive responsibility for the pallet network’s European operations.

Stephenson, who joined Pall-Ex in 2011 and was assistant MD, said his first role would be to reorganise the UK team to make sure they were focused on the UK business.

This will see the Pall-Ex board remain unchanged, but a number of new hires and moves below it.

He added that as well as introducing a range of services for member hauliers, Pall-Ex intended to take immediate action to shorten the sort-window at the network’s central hub in Leicestershire.

Responding to MT’s question as to whether the renewed focus on the UK suggested European expansion – five networks to date with three more to come on stream shortly – had proved a distraction, Stephenson said:  “I think it has and Hilary [Devey] recognises that. So the focus is very much back on the UK. We have some fairly big investment on its way and some ‘game-changing services members will be able to sell.”

“We have some fairly big investment on its way in the UK and some ‘game-changing services’ as part of our continuing bid to be the first-choice pallet network in the UK. Profitable members make a profitable network,” he said.

Devey, CEO and chairman of Pall-Ex, added: “I know we have the right person for the job in Cris. He has a wealth of experience in the logistics sector and, having worked closely with him over the last three years, I am confident he is the perfect appointment and will continue to drive this business forward.

“Adrian’s new role will allow him to concentrate on the bigger picture at Pall-Ex, specifically on our operations and growth throughout Europe and beyond.”