Dave Walmsley has been named as the MD of Palletways (UK) as part of a wide-ranging management restructure at the network that sees former UK MD Luis Zubialde move into the new role of chief operating officer at Palletways Group.

Walmsley joined Palletways 11 months ago as member and network development director, and was formerly group commercial director at workplace products distributor Lyreco Group.

Furthermore, former MD of Palletways Europe, Rachael Alpha, has been appointed as group commercial director, while the former holder of the position, Wolfgang Neumann, will continue at the business in a part-time consultancy role. Craig Hibbert, formerly group strategic member development director, and Roberto Rossi, formerly president of Palletways Italia, also remain at the business on a part-time consultancy basis after stepping down from their roles.

Dave Walmsley 2

David Walmsley, MD, Palletways (UK)

Walmsley said: “I relish the challenge ahead as our experienced management team continue to grow the UK business. Palletways has a strong track record of customer service excellence and breaking new ground in technology and innovation. I look forward to driving this reputation ahead and working closely with our UK members to maintain our position as the number one palletised freight network throughout Europe. I also look forward to working with Luis again in his new role.”

Zubialde is now responsible for the operational organisation of the business, and will oversee the managing directors of each European country across 14 hubs in 20 countries.

He said: “There is a great opportunity to support business growth across Europe through geographic expansion and new products and services. Each territory can work together to share experiences and expertise to achieve great results on service excellence and pallet volumes, for our members in every network.”

Palletways Group was bought by South-African group Imperial Holdings for £163m in June.

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