InPost appoints new UK directors
InPost, has announced the appointment of former DHL and Yodel director, Andy Taylor, as its managing director and former Parcelnet and Home Delivery Network (HDN) director, Michelle De Pasquale, as its commercial director. This announcement marks a watershed for the company, which intends to continue the rapid development of its estate that has already seen 850 parcel lockers installed since launching in the UK back in April 2013, with an ambitious growth plan for 2014/15.
Taylor brings a wealth of retail distribution, parcel delivery and logistics experience to the InPost Group. As director at DHL Domestic, he was responsible for the design and development of their Home Delivery Lifestyle Courier solution before moving to Yodel as director of security, prior to that was head of retail at Granada Rental and Retail..
Taylor, who took up the InPost UK managing director role in February 2014, commented: “With the rapid expansion in e-commerce and mobile retailing, the role of parcel delivery has been thrust firmly into the limelight. Today’s busy consumer does not want to wait at home all day, while it is inconvenient for employers to use their reception desks as personal collection points. As such, the market is crying out for more flexible delivery options.
“I’m thrilled to be working with the InPost team to roll-out the best solution to the home delivery challenge in the UK, 24/7 automated lockers. From incredibly fast collections of just a few seconds, to its ease of use, the InPost model offers an exciting opportunity for online retailers and distance sellers throughout the UK.”
In addition to Andy Taylor’s appointment, Michelle De Pasquale has been confirmed as commercial director, which will see her take responsibility for strategic business planning, product and services strategy, digital development and new business acquisitions.
De Pasquale joins InPost after 25 years within the parcel delivery sector, having been part of the collaboration between HDN and PayPoint PLC in the establishment of ‘Collect Plus’. She has also led the relationship development of both corporate (including FSTE 100) and SME multi-channel retail clients. With a wealth of experience in ecommerce ‘final mile’ customer experience delivery solutions, she is ideally placed to lead the development of more choice, convenience and control for retailers and consumers alike.
Commenting on her new role, De Pasquale said: “The UK is critical for the future commercial development of the InPost business and I am delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time in its development. The feedback from users has been fantastic and I look forward to helping drive the growth of InPost within the UK market. By the end of 2014, we expect to have increased the number of UK locker locations to more than 1,500 units and we are on track to become the non-home delivery option of choice in the UK.”
The InPost system, which is ideal for e-commerce, the retail sector, business-to-business applications and other markets where ease of parcel collection is crucial, has seen unprecedented interest in the UK since its inception, with the company having recently signed an agreement with Transport for London to have lockers at a number of London underground stations in 2014.
