In a surprise announcement, Pall-Ex said today (9 October) group chief executive Kevin Buchanan had left the business with immediate effect.
No reason was given for the outgoing CEO’s exit; the company said day-to-day operations continued under the direction of COO Barry Byers.
Byers said: “Following Kevin’s departure, our focus as a leadership team is ensuring a smooth operational transition.
“Our priority, as always, is supporting our staff, network members and regional partners around the UK and internationally.
“It remains business as usual across all our hubs and operations. Our commitment to delivering service excellence, that our customers have come to rely on over the last three decades, remains unchanged.”
The company added that it planned to announce the appointment of its updated leadership structure in due course.
Asked to comment further on Buchanan’s departure, a spokesperson for Pall-Ex Group said: “Out of respect for standard employment confidentiality, we do not comment on individual personnel details or specific employment matters.
“Kevin has left his position with immediate effect, and our executive team is focused entirely on maintaining continuity of service for our hard-working members around the UK and around the globe.
“Day-to-day operations across our UK and International networks continue under the direction of chief operating officer, Barry Byers, supported by our experienced operational board and senior management teams. And our wider senior executive leadership team, including all operational directors, remains fully in place, leading their respective divisions and driving continuity across our UK and international operations.”
The spokesperson added: “Kevin’s departure is not connected to the performance of the network, either financially or operationally. Pall-Ex Group is in a robust financial position and is backed by a strong shareholder member model.
“The board have already begun a structured process regarding an updated leadership structure and succession strategy, and will communicate further updates in relation to interim arrangements and longer-term succession plans in due course.”
