Pall-Ex finance director steps down

Pall-Ex, the Leicestershire-based palletised freight network, is searching for a new group finance director.

Martin Field, who has held the job for the last 16 years, has stepped down from the company owned by Hilary Devey, the former Dragons’ Den star.

Kevin Buchanan, group managing director, said: “I can confirm the departure of our longstanding finance director Martin Field. He has left the business to pursue other career opportunities. We would like to thank Martin for his work over the years and the contribution he has made to the business.

Martin Field

“Our non-executive director Geoff Gillo has taken responsibility for the role on a temporary basis whilst a permanent appointment is made. This has had no impact on the day-to-day operations of the network and it’s very much business as usual.”

Field leaves Pall-Ex as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the firm has grown from a primarily UK-based network into European-wide operation, covering Italy, Spain, Portugal, Romania and France.

Most recently, Pall-Ex launched a new partnership with Bulgaria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, and is looking ahead to expand into Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Scandinavia over the next few years.

Pall-Ex CEO Hilary Devey said: “Back in the mid-90s it was an uphill battle. Bankers refused to back my proposed venture and the road to success was littered with obstacles. Even once we were up and running, it wasn’t easy.

“However, we’ve shown determination over the years and I’ve had a fantastically talented team alongside me. There were those who said Pall-Ex wouldn’t even last 12-months, but 20 years later we’re still here and still leading the charge from the front.

“In 2016, we’ll be looking back and celebrating our history, but we’ll also be looking ahead to the challenges and successes that are still to come.”