Pall-Ex Group has appointed former chief operating officer Barry Byers as interim chief executive, almost four weeks after Kevin Buchanan left the business with immediate effect.
Byers (pictured), who had been overseeing day-to-day operations following Buchanan’s departure on 9 October, takes on the role as the pallet distribution group prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
The company also announced that founder member and existing Pall-Ex Investments Board member Craig Stevens will become Interim chairman of the board, with immediate effect.
The appointments form part of the group’s ongoing leadership transition, following Buchanan’s departure. Pall-Ex said it would communicate its permanent succession plans in due course.
Byers joined the business several years ago and most recently held the position of group chief operating officer. During his time with the company, he has helped steer its UK operations through challenging market conditions, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the acquisition and subsequent integration of Fortec.
He previously held senior positions at Palletways, Royal Mail and TNT Express, bringing extensive experience of the logistics and distribution sector.
His appointment follows a period in which he has played an increasingly prominent role in the group’s operational and strategic development.
In March 2025, Byers was appointed to the newly created COO position, having previously served as MD of the UK business units, overseeing both Pall-Ex and Fortec.
He was subsequently involved in the group’s plans to bring its two UK pallet networks together under the Pall-Ex brand, a process which began in January 2026.
Commenting on his appointment, Byers said: “I’m delighted to be stepping into the role of Interim CEO at Pall-Ex Group, at such a significant time for the business and wider market.
“Over the last three decades, Pall-Ex has developed an excellent reputation for reliable and innovative palletised freight distribution, as well as an unwavering support for our network members across the UK and Europe.
“My immediate focus is to ensure our customers and members continue to receive the exceptional service they have come to expect over the last 30 years.
“Building on this solid foundation, we’ll also continue investing in technology that gives our network even more visibility, smarter innovations and real day-to-day advantage – equipping our members with the tools they need to meet today’s industry challenges head-on. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
The board had previously confirmed that it was undertaking a structured review of the group’s leadership arrangements and succession strategy. It said the process would take account of both interim arrangements and longer-term succession plans.
It also said Buchanan’s departure was not connected to the financial or operational performance of the network, describing the group as being in a robust financial position.
The board had already begun a structured process to review the group’s leadership structure and succession strategy, with further details to follow.
The latest appointments provide an interim leadership structure while the group works towards confirming its longer-term arrangements.
