People: CocoonFMS; LKQ
East Midlands-based logistics entrepreneur and managing director of Innovate Freight Richard Litchfield MCILT has become non-executive director specialist software firm CocoonFMS.
Litchfield has a track record in logistics spanning over 20 plus years implementing freight management systems.
Formerly group IT director at Europa Worldwide group and vice president / global head of IS Road Logistics at Kuehne & Nagel in Switzerland, Litchfield has experience in transport and logistics, mainly within the technology arena.
His whole career has been focused on IT within transport and logistics. He launched a specialist IT consultancy for freight and logistics, Innovate Freight and 2023 extended the services to provide specialist freight and logistics recruitment through Innovate Freight Talent, which has just debuted at Multimodal Exhibition and is also a sponsor of national campaign Generation Logistics.
Based in Lichfield (Staffordshire), CocoonFMS ® is a logistics software provider, offering a cloud- based transport management system for all modes of transport to clients across the UK.
Litchfield, said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to share my wealth of skills and knowledge across the specialist technology sector for freight and logistics. Having worked with James previously and having met with the rest of the team, we share a similar vision and approach. Joining CocoonFMS is a perfect opportunity to share my experience and help grow the company.”
James Blackman, managing partner at CocoonFMS added “We would like to welcome Richard Litchfield as a non-executive director. Richard expertise will add to our existing wealth of knowledge and expertise of IT & Logistics. Our ambition is to be the software supplier of choice to the supply chain and logistics industry by delivering the best technology available and we’re hoping the Richard will help us achieving this goal.”
Tamworth-based LKQ has strengthened its leadership team with several appointments, including a new chief operating officer, a B2B trade director, and a divisional director for the South at LKQ Euro Car Parts.
Tony Shearer has been appointed as chief operating officer (COO), bringing 16 years of experience with LKQ to the role.
As COO, Shearer will manage logistics, supply chain operations, and the commercial operations team for the UK and Ireland.
He will report to Ferdinando Imhof, chief procurement and supply chain officer. 
Shearer’s promotion follows Richard Morgan’s decision to step down as COO ahead of retirement. Morgan will continue to contribute as a board advisor.
Matt Robinson is the new B2B trade director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, where he will oversee relationships with over 25,000 independent garages and workshops across the UK.
Robinson, who has been with LKQ for five years, previously served as regional director for the South. He will report to chief commercial officer Andy Southby.
Adam Ince has been appointed as divisional director for the South at LKQ Euro Car Parts. He will oversee 135 branches in the region. Ince joins from GSF Car Parts where he was Sales Director, bringing 23 years of industry experience to his new role.
Kevan Wooden, CEO at LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “Tony, Matt and Adam each bring invaluable perspectives and experiences from inside and outside the business to their new senior positions. They’ll each be key in shaping the strategy behind our goal to help customers succeed in an evolving marketplace.
“Tony has driven the success of our T1 and T2 distribution centres – an incredible 1.5 million sq ft logistics operation – alongside leading our Rapid Fulfilment Centre and Central Distribution Centres operations across the UK. These hubs are central to our customer promise of delivering the right parts to technicians, on time.
“Matt’s new, national remit develops on his central role of building strong relationships with thousands of garages and workshops across the south, which is now in Adam’s experienced hands. We’re proud to welcome Adam to the LKQ family.
“I would also personally like to thank departing COO Richard Morgan. He played a key role in the transformation of the business over the last five years, in particular for driving industry leading availability through world class logistics and supply chain planning – as well as championing support to Ukraine, where he and the team delivered 27 ambulances and numerous aid packages to the children of Ukraine. Richard will remain with us for a while on the UK&I board.
“I am pleased that investing in our top talent provides us with the depth of experience that’s crucial to being a supportive partner to customers in a changing world.”
