Just weeks after joining GXO, chief executive Patrick Kelleher is making sweeping changes to GXO’s UK management structure, which will see Richard Cawston, GXO president of Europe and chief revenue officer, depart the business.
In addition, Gavin Williams and Paul Mohan, who lead the UK & Ireland and Continental Europe regions respectively, will report directly to Kelleher, with immediate effect.
Announcing the changes GXO said Cawston, who has served as GXO president of Europe and chief revenue officer since 2024, “will pursue new opportunities outside of GXO, yet will remain until a new chief commercial officer is appointed”.
Kelleher, who joined GXO in June this year, added: “In my first 60 days, I’ve seen first hand the strength of our foundation and the extraordinary potential ahead - for our business, our people, and our impact in the marketplace.
“The changes we’re announcing today sharpen our focus on growth, simplify our structure, and lay the groundwork for stronger execution across the organization.”
“Both Europe and the UK & Ireland have seasoned leaders with highly experienced teams. Streamlining the regional management structure will accelerate decision-making in these important markets.
“I am grateful for Richard’s many contributions to GXO over the past few years and appreciate his willingness to stay on-board to ensure a seamless transition.”
Cawston is GXO chief revenue officer with global responsibility for sales strategy. His experience in the logistics industry spans more than 20 years and includes senior roles with multinational logistics companies, including XPO Logistics Europe where he served as president, and Norbert Dentressangle, where he was managing director of the UK and Ireland logistics division.
Patrick Kelleher is based at GXO’s global HQ in Connecticut and has over 30 years experience in the supply chain industry. Prior to joining GXO Kelleher held senior executive roles at DHL Supply Chain. Most recently, he served as CEO for North America, where he is credited for driving significant growth and operational improvements across the business.
Kelleher’s other management changes are outside of Europe and include the appointment of Michael Jacobs, former senior vice president of supply chain at Ferguson Enterprises Inc, as President of the Americas and Asia Pacific, effective from November 3.
GXO said Jacobs brings more than three decades of experience in all aspects of supply chain operations with expertise spanning consumer packaged goods, retail and industrial. At Ferguson, Jacobs led the transformation of its supply chain - improving service, increasing productivity through robotics and automation and enhancing demand forecasting and product transit predictability by leveraging AI.
Kelleher said: “The Americas and Asia Pacific region is brimming with growth potential, and now is the right time to reenergize our approach to match its dynamics and opportunities.
“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to GXO. He brings a depth and breadth of experience across all aspects of supply chain and a proven track record of automation excellence and operational execution.”
Jacobs, who will be based in Dallas, succeeds Jorge Guanter.
GXO also announced it will create a new chief operating officer role, reporting to the CEO, with responsibility for driving operational excellence “through standardized global execution”.
