Neil McDonnell has been appointed general manager of Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI).

McDonnell is no stranger to the world of freight and logistics with more than 10 years of senior logistics industry experience behind him. 

He was previously general manager of Wincanton's fuel business in Ireland, and before that at Hoyer where he worked in a similar role. 

He is already very familiar with the workings of FTA Ireland having been a founding member of the Association, served on its first National Council and contributed to the creation of the FTAI accreditation scheme. 

Having taken the position of FTA Ireland general manager in place of the recently retired Tom Wilson, McDonnell will continue to work closely with the Association's key stakeholders on policy and campaigning issues.  

Prior to entering the logistics sector, McDonnell's career was varied and included serving for 15 years in the Irish Defence Forces, leaving in 2000 with the rank of captain, working for the Primary Health Care Reimbursement Service in the Health Service and he has considerable experience managing public expenditures in the Defence and Health votes.

Chris Thornton, managing director - business services at the FTA, said: "FTA Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil McDonnell and welcome to the Freight Transport Association as General Manager in Ireland.   

"His experience in the logistics sector and knowledge regarding policy issues both with FTA Ireland and with CILT in Dublin, combined with him having been a  founding member of FTAI, will mean that Neil will quickly become an invaluable member of the team."