New UK MD for Palletways Group
The Palletways Group has announced the appointment of a new UK Managing Director: Dave Walmsley, the company’s former Member and Network Development Director. The previous UK managing director, Luis Zubialde, has stepped into a new role as Chief Operating Officer for the Palletways Group.
Walmsley joined Palletways 11 months ago from the Lyreco Group where he worked for 25 years, latterly as group commercial director, based in Brussels.
Commenting on his new role, Walmsley said: “I relish the challenge ahead as our experienced management team continue to grow the UK business. Palletways has a strong track record of customer service excellence and breaking new ground in technology and innovation. I look forward to driving this reputation ahead and working closely with our UK members to maintain our position as the number one palletised freight network throughout Europe. I also look forward to working with Luis again in his new role.”
Zubialde will now be responsible for the operational organisation of the business, and will oversee the managing directors of each European country. He first joined Palletways in 2006 as Managing Director of Pallletways Iberia and became Managing Director of the UK business in May 2014.
“In my new role, there is a great opportunity to support business growth across Europe through geographic expansion and new products and services,” said Zubialde. “Each territory can work together to share experiences and expertise to achieve great results on service excellence and pallet volumes, for our members in every network. We have a strong track record on breaking new ground with innovation, and I believe we can continue to enhance our reputation in the field of technology.”
The changes to Palletways’ management team coincide with the recent acquisition of the business by South Africa-based Imperial Holdings, which was officially announced on 1 June.
Palletways also used today’s statement to give an update on other changes to the management structure:
- Rachael Alpha, previously the Managing Director of Palletways Europe Gmbh, has been appointed as Group Commercial Director
- Wolfgang Neumann, previously interim Group Commercial Director and Non-Executive Chairman of Palletways Deutschland, will continue with the business in a part time consultancy role
- Craig Hibbert, Group Strategic Member Development Director, is leaving his full time role in the business but will continue to work with the Group in a part-time consultancy role
- Roberto Rossi is stepping down as President of Palletways Italia and will continue to help the business as a part time consultant.
