Power Players 2014: Alastair Cochrane, MD, TNT Express Services UK and Ireland

19) Alastair Cochrane, MD, TNT Express Services UK & Ireland

Once the market leader and innovator –some would say inventor – of the express parcels market, TNT Express has retreated into its shell for a period of introspection and restructuring. Shorn of its contract logistics and postal arms, TNT Express has to survive in arguably the toughest of all logistics environments – B2B and B2C parcels.

Despite exponential growth as a result of online shopping, making money in this fiercely competitive arena has proved a challenge, and the focus for Cochrane since he had to fill the big boots of his predecessor Tom Bell has been cost cutting and reorganisation.

TNT still enjoys great brand image and reputation for service, but its lower cost rivals have been snapping at its heels and in a market where price is king reputation counts for less than ruthless efficiency and cost control. Still holding the record for winning 32 Motor Transport Awards, TNT has been a notable absentee from the winners’ rostrum in recent years – will they be back soon?

Over the next 20 days we will be counting down our Top 20. As ever, we’d welcome your feedback and input into the debate. Send us your thoughts on Twitter - @Motor_Transport - using the hashtag #MTPowerPlayers