Paul Kavanagh has been named as MD at R Swain & Sons, replacing Bob Swain who stepped down last month.

Kavanagh, formerly chief operating officer at Bibby Supply Chain Services, took up his new position at the Rochester, Kent-based operator on 1 January. Former MD Bob Swain has moved to a non-executive role after 41 years at the business.

Kavanagh has also held senior positions at NYK Logistics (now Yusen Logistics), Christian Salvesen and P&O Ferrymasters. Prior to his appointment at Bibby in 2012, he served as MD at Peel Ports for four years.

A successor to Kavanagh’s role at Bibby Supply Chain Services has not yet been named, nor has a replacement for Iain Speak, who stepped down from his postion as chief executive in December.

In 2013 R Swain & Sons achieved an annual turnover of £34.8m, along with a 23.5% increase in pre-tax profit to £1.3m. It last year acquired heavy haulier Hallett Silbermann, which is operated as a separate business within its special projects division.