Familiar face returns to CouriersPlease
Parcel delivery service CouriersPlease (CP) has re-appointed Phil Reid as Chief Operating Officer.
Phil returns to the role after three years, and brings more than 25 years of experience in logistics and transportation. Having worked with CP since 1998, Phil climbed through the ranks of the 1200-plus-employee company – from courier to national fleet manager and national operations manager – before being appointed COO in 2016. His achievements during this time include reducing Lost Time Injuries by 70 per cent through a targeted safety approach and leading the largest franchisee conversion in Australia, with 650 contracted drivers converting to a franchise model.
In the last three years, Phil was National Premium Fleet Manager at transport and logistics company StarTrack, helping the company transform its premium service.
In his role as COO at CP, Phil will direct operations across every part of the organisation, leading a team of more than 1200 people across the franchisee network and support staff.
Phil is an advocate for safety and innovation to enhance processes and efficiency across the workplace. He is already undertaking a transformation project by introducing technological solutions and refinements across the business. One such change is updating CPGo, an application that determines optimal routes for franchisees to take before they commence their run, which will help boost productivity even further and enable CP drivers to conduct more efficient deliveries. In turn, this will see franchisees deliver more parcel volumes and increase their own revenue, while also ensuring consumers receive their parcels quickly. Phil will also look at how CP prioritises deliveries and can provide a higher level of service for customers.
Phil says: “I’m pleased to return to CP, and look forward to growing and transforming the company, which has grown by nearly 50 per cent this year alone. A key business focus at the moment is planning for our peak period. Usually, the demand starts in October, but we have had strong sustained growth in volumes since April. Social restrictions and lockdowns have led to a significant uptick in eCommerce sales. We have been successfully adjusting to this new normal of online shopping and are preparing for our busiest peak period yet.
“CP is a constantly evolving business, and there will be areas we can always improve on. I am working with CP to structure our projects and ensure we are working methodically, as well as making sure there are measures in place for us to work efficiently and successfully. I’m looking forward to implementing some exciting changes and initiatives in the months ahead.”
Mark McGinley, CEO of CP, says: “We’re thrilled to welcome Phil back to the CP team. His experience in aggressive growth strategies will be a great asset to us, particularly as the business has seen substantial growth this year. Our continued focus will be on implementing new technology and improving our automated systems. Phil’s breadth of knowledge and experience will undoubtedly keep this momentum going and help drive further growth for the business. Not only does Phil bring a high level of skill and expertise to the role, but he has been a valued and respected part of the company for many years, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the fold.”