Yusen Logistics has appointed Kevin Appleton as UK managing director replacing Ian Veitch, who moved to head up its entire operations across Europe.

As announced via its Twitter feed, Appleton will take up the role from 14 April and most recently was divisional chairman at Travis Perkins. He has spent his entire career in logistics, starting at Royal Mail, and working for names such as NFC, Caliber Logistics and Boston Consulting Group.

He also served as chief executive of Lavendon Group, which makes working at height platforms, and is currently a non-executive director at Finnish plant equipment firm Ramirent Oyj.

Appleton  is also a board member of the FTA.

“These remain challenging times for the logistics industry, with ever longer supply chains and an increasing demand for logistics solutions to support clients’ multi-channel distribution strategies, together with a constant need to improve efficiency and reduce cost,” he said.

“ Yusen Logistics has the basic elements in place to satisfy all of these demands, and a fantastically experienced and committed team.  I am excited about the opportunities before us and look forward to getting to know colleagues and customers over the next few months,” he added.

Topics