Exel's Allan becomes Freight Transport chief

The Freight Transport Association will announce today that John Allan, Exel chief executive, is taking over from Chas Lawrence, former head of Wincanton, as president.

“Our industry provides the backbone to the UK’s commercial framework and it is essential that members’ views are effectively represented to support our role in maintaining the nation’s ongoing competitiveness,” says Mr Allan.

Mr Allan, 55, who joined Excel in 1994, is a member of the CBI presidents’ committee and was chairman of the CBI transport policy committee from 1998 to 2001. The FTA, which represents transport interests of more than 11,000 companies, has been a prominent campaigner on congestion charges and rail freight issues.