BP Pulse appoints chief product officer

BP Pulse has recruited of Martin Roemheld from VW as its new chief product officer. 

The former vice president of business development at Elli, VW’s electrification brand, joins the BP Pulse team in April.

A mechanical engineer and EV-charging specialist, he will bring 21 years of automotive, energy and e-mobility experience to the business and will lead all aspects of BP Pulse product development on a global scale. 

Richard Bartlett, BP Pulse CEO, said: “Martin is passionate about outstanding products that will deliver for customers and enable the decarbonisation of mobility. He knows what it takes to deliver in transformational markets and he will push us to build on our existing progress and accelerate from here.”

Having started his career with BMW Motorrad in Germany, Roemheld worked around the world before moving to VW in 2018 to lead the company’s e-Mobility Services. 

He said: “The scale of BP’s ambition in electrification is extremely exciting. They are investing significantly in their EV charging business around the world in order to provide the EV charging infrastructure required to help build confidence that an EV driver can recharge when and where they need to.

“I’m delighted to be joining a team that has such an ambitious strategy – from high-speed charging hubs in strategic locations to the very best digital products and services, including for the world’s fleets.”

Christian Girardeau, who has been BP Pulse’s chief product officer since 2021 is taking on a new challenge within BP Pulse, to lead strategic projects globally.

Yodel announces new director of HR operations

UK independent parcel carrier Yodel has announced Alison Richardson, as its new director of HR operations.

Richardson has more than 20 years’ experience in human resources.

The new role will see her driving health and wellbeing initiatives across the business, including supporting mental health first aiders and champions, colleague wellbeing and Yodel’s diversity and inclusivity activity. 

With Yodel’s significant growth in recent years, Richardson will also continue to lead the recruitment team which has seen the HR team help to create over 10,000 roles.

Having previously spent over 10 years in various senior HR positions at the National Nuclear Laboratory, Richardson started at Yodel in 2018 as senior HR business partner.

There, she supported the sort and transport operations before moving to head of HR operations in December 2019.

She said: “I look forward to continuing to develop our innovative HR processes to provide the best support to our colleagues across the business.”.

Liberty Charge announces two new senior hires

Liberty Charge has appointed two senior business development managers.

Kevin Ledger and Dan Lessiter join Liberty Charge, bringing more than 35 years client relationship experience between them across various industries, most recently supporting the creation of electric vehicle (EV) charging networks.

Ledger (pictured right) was previously a regional business development manager for EV and regional operations at a nationwide contracting business.

Lessiter (pictured left) joins Liberty Charge from a major energy provider, where he gained extensive experience in helping businesses with practical solutions to help them meet ESG targets and net zero goals – with EV charging a key solution.

Neil Isaacson, Liberty Charge CEO, says both have an excellent understanding of different businesses and their stakeholders’ needs.

“Their insight, coupled with their previous expertise in delivering EV infrastructure, means they can support businesses efficiently to implement charging solutions that attract customers and deliver revenue,” he added. “They are integral to our goal of increasing the pace of EV infrastructure development in the UK.”

Clipper’s Fliss O'Hara joins Whistl Fulfilment as commercial director

Whistl has announced that Fliss O'Hara will join Whistl Fulfilment as commercial director starting in April.

Fliss will join the company from Clipper Logistics where she spent 13 years rising from finance manger to director of business development.

She said: “Whistl’s move into the e-commerce fulfilment in recent years has been very successful working with brands and retailers and growing with them.

“Its ability to support a customer on every step of the journey from acquisition through to carrier delivery management is unique and I look forward to working with the team to drive forward its ongoing success.”

In addition, the company has announced that Alistair Cochrane is taking over as chief operating officer, with Nigel Polglass taking the role of chief commercial officer.

The company will not have a CEO role with Nick Wells leading the business as executive chairman.

Wells said: “We are delighted that Fliss is joining the Whistl Fulfilment team bringing with her the experience she has built up working at Clipper.

“She will be a valuable member of the team as we build upon our strong growth in this business area.”

Econ Engineering names Steve Sinnott as UK sales manager

Gritter manufacturer Econ Engineering has promoted Steve Sinnott to the position of UK sales manager, to oversee its national sales strategy and manage business development. 

Sinnott was appointed to the role after recently celebrating his tenth anniversary at the company. Prior to his promotion, he covered a regional sales and key account management role.

The new role will include overseeing the sales operations for the whole of the UK, continuing to work closely with the regional area managers, ensuring there is a strong order pipeline, and connecting the technical, service and factory production teams.

Earlier in his career, he held several senior sales roles at Duffields of East Anglia, Whale Tankers and Intercountry Truck & Van, before joining Econ in 2013. 

He said: “I am delighted to accept this position at Econ. Over the years the business has gone from strength to strength and continues to be the number one provider in the market.”

Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ Engineering, added: “Steve has been a valuable member of the team over the last decade. He has played an integral part in the growth of the business and looked after some of our largest accounts.” 

Snap names Matthew Bellamy as new MD

Snap has appointed Matthew Bellamy as its new managing director to oversee their mission of connecting truck journeys across Europe.

Bellamy joins SNAP from Certas Energy UK, taking over from Mark Garner, who after leading the firm’s expansion into Europe, will still be assessing international markets for acquisition and expansion opportunities.

Bellamy said: "I am very excited to join SNAP and continue the mission of growing our network across Europe.

“One of my biggest goals is to support the great SNAP team to meet our drivers wants and needs from depot to destination - adding to our basket of services to facilitate this.

"We will provide drivers and fleets throughout the continent with sustainable growth over the next five years, focusing on safety, security and welfare."

Garner added: "I am proud to have played a role in helping haulage businesses from across Europe access essential truck services. From a rural office in Norfolk to customers from over 35 countries and a network of over 430 locations throughout Europe, I know the Snap journey is only just beginning.

"I will miss the company culture and the daily atmosphere, but I know SNAP is in safe hands, and I am passionate that the business will continue to support drivers, fleets and locations worldwide."