A  senior leadership restructure at St Helens-based SSO Group has seen Mike Brown appointed as managing director of the SSO Logistics side of the business, which specialises in BRCGS food grade warehousing and palletised distribution.

The restructuring also sees Simon Haslam move across to the SSO International Forwarding arm of the group, where he has taken on the role of managing director.

Josh Martindale continues in his role of operations director at SSO Logistics, with Gary McDermott taking on the role of operations director for SSO International Forwarding, which specialises in international freight forwarding, customs clearance and various customs regimes.

Peter Draper, group chief executive, said the SSO Group, which is a Pallet-Track member, had gone from strength to strength over the last few years, and that the new senior leadership appointments were a key part of its long-term growth strategy.

He added: “Mike has been a great addition to the team and gives the group the ability to supercharge its growth strategy for 2026 and beyond.

“Having directors in the business with huge levels of expertise in their sectors has allowed us to focus on different departments within the group at a more granular level.

“The SSO Group is a true one-stop shop for all our customers’ freight requirements and we continue to add new value-added services to our portfolio.

“Customers love the fact that we manage freight with our own people and sites, limiting the need for outsourcing to partners. Our USP can sometimes be said to be ‘from China to Chorley.’”

Mike Brown, SSO Logistics managing director, commented: “I am committed to building a culture of transparency, performance and collaboration empowering the team to grow. Together, we’ll sharpen our commercial edge and deliver exceptional value to our customers.

“My immediate priorities include enhancing internal communication, leadership and expanding service capabilities, aligning the team around a clear strategic vision. The strength of the wolf is the pack, the strength of the pack is the wolf. Together as one.”

Simon Haslam, SSO International Forwarding MD, said: “The international division of our business has achieved remarkable growth in a short period.

“Our comprehensive logistics capabilities – including road, sea and air freight, Freeport access and a fully operational customs bureau – position us strongly for continued success and expansion.

“As the new managing director, I’m incredibly proud to lead such a talented and driven team.

“Together, we will continue to raise the bar, embrace innovation, and build a culture where excellence and collaboration thrive. The future is bright, and I’m excited for what we’ll achieve together.”