People: SOS Wholesale; XPO Logistics
Vipin Patara has been appointed as the new managing director of SOS Wholesale.
The company has a 75,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution centre in Derby and is one of the UK’s largest food and drink wholesalers.
Sameer Rizvi, founder and CEO of RDCP Group, which owns SOS Wholesale, said: “One of the reasons we acquired SOS Wholesale was because of the knowledge and expertise of Vipin Patara.
“The plan always has been for Vipin to step into the role of managing director. Vipin has a commendable work ethic and brings a wealth of both management and trading experience to the role. We are excited to be backing Vipin as she positions SOS Wholesale for the company’s next stage of growth.
“I would also like to thank [outgoing MD] Mark Beckett for his many years of service and look forward to working alongside Mark as a board member of SOS Wholesale.”
Patara added: “I am looking forward to working alongside the talented management team, as well as the RDCP founders Sameer and Iryna, to build a strategy for the next chapter of growth and expansion.
“The SOS Wholesale growth strategy will be to increase distribution and expand our diverse customer base by collaboratively working with our customers and suppliers. It is very much business as usual and we are proud of our excellent reputation of delivering exceptional service and will continue to deliver this promise.”
XPO Logistics has promoted Nigel Rouch to the position of senior vice president, technology – Europe.
Nigel Rouch
He will be responsible for the Northampton-based company’s technology organisation and digital strategy for its European business, reporting to Luis Gómez, president – Europe and chief technology officer Pat Petersen.
Rouch, who has 17 years’ industry experience, was previously vice president, information technology and operational excellence – UK and Ireland at the logistics firm.
Gómez said: “Nigel’s dual strengths as a technologist and a transport operational excellence executive will be an immediate benefit to our growth and customer delight strategy. Under his leadership, our innovation team will continue to collaborate with our country leaders to tailor digital capabilities to specific growth opportunities. I look forward to working closely with Nigel in his expanded role as head of our technology organization and digital strategy in Europe.”
