PML Seafrigo’s boss Mike Parr has left the company, just over a year since he was appointed chief executive.
The company told Motor Transport Parr had decided to relocate from the UK and added that his departure had triggered the appointment of Sean Smith as PML Seafrigo’s new CEO.
PML was founded by Parr in 2003 and the business was acquired by Seafrigo in 2023, with him being retained as a director.
In August 2024, Parr was appointed CEO of PML Seafrigo UK and Ireland, a role he will now officially leave on 6 January.
Seafrigo Group CEO Eric Barbé said: “Mike is highly regarded within the industry having worked for over 33 years within the perishable freight sector, during which he successfully grew PML to become one of the UK’s leading logistics companies, with an enviable track record for innovation and customer relations excellence and an overarching commitment to delivering a quality service.
“We are grateful for Mike’s substantial contribution to both Seafrigo and the temperature-controlled logistics category in general.”
Asked to comment further on his exit, PML Seafrigo said: “Following his decision to relocate from the UK, Mike Parr is leaving PML Seafrigo.
“We thank Mike for his valued contribution both to the Seafrigo Group business and to the wider temperature-controlled logistics sector.”
Smith has an extensive background in logistics, working with air, ocean and road freight.
Having formerly worked for a privately owned family business which was acquired by a global logistics operator, PML Seafrigo said Smith was well placed to take over the stewardship of the business.
Barbé added: “We are delighted to welcome Sean to the Seafrigo family and look forward to working with him to further grow our presence in the UK and globally.”
Smith will oversee a team of 115 permanent staff and will be based at PML Seafrigo’s Heathrow and Kent sites.
At the time of his appointment to CEO last year, Parr said: “Of course, when PML was sold to Seafrigo, I did consider retiring but I soon realised that I’m just not ready to adapt to the quiet life and still absolutely love the buzz associated with working in this sector.”
