New chief executive at Kinaxia as Michael Conroy announces departure

Conroy took over only 15 months ago and lead the business through a financial restructure and was also instrumental in making a series of appointments, including Gareth Jenkins as executive chairman and Allan Blakeley as COO.

Cox takes up his position next month from Navigator Tissue UK and has built experience in running multi-site operations in the UK, Europe and the US, including for DS Smith Packaging.

Conroy said: “I’m pleased to have successfully led Kinaxia through a critical period, balancing day-to-day business trading with implementing important changes and leading the negotiations to ensure the business benefitted from investment in key areas.

“My appointment was to ensure Kinaxia navigated this period, and I’m pleased to say it’s definitely mission accomplished.

“Thanks to financial support from one of the world’s largest private investors, Kinaxia has a robust foundation and the stability it needs to deliver its business and growth strategy.”

Cox said Kinaxia was a business with “huge potential”.

He said: “I’m looking forward to bringing some fresh thinking, clarity of purpose and strong leadership to help take it forward into its next phase of growth.

“We will continue to put customers at the forefront of our strategy, deliver a great customer experience and come together as ‘One Kinaxia’ by realising the potential, expertise and experience of the skilled people we are lucky to have across the business.”

Kinaxia is headquartered in Cheshire and employs 1,600 staff nationwide, operating a fleet of 1,000 vehicles moving goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.