Gefco UK has appointed Martin Rantle as commercial director to help drive a “key stage” in the company’s expansion strategy.

As well as continuing to grow its traditional automotive logistics arm, the firm is also gaining momentum in new market sectors.

In September last year it secured a major contract with Jaguar Land Rover, as well as being picked as multimodal partner for wine merchant Gerrard Seel.

Rantle joins Gefco from Palletline, where he was executive director of sales and marketing for UK and Europe. Prior to this he spent 30 years at TNT.

He said of his new job: “I am proud to be taking on this new role at Gefco, particularly at this key stage with opportunities for expansion across all divisions.”

Tristan Balayn, MD at Gefco UK, added: “Rantle’s experience and knowledge complements our business and strategic focus as we strengthen our position in the automotive and logistics industry and continue to expand our presence in the UK.”

Earlier this year, Balayn talked to Motortransport.co.uk about the company’s aim to move away from being seen as purely a subsidiary of PSA Peugeot Citroën, which in 2012 sold a 75% stake in the business to Russian Railways for £640m.