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Tom Bell, who famously started his career at TNT as a lorry driver 33 years ago, is retiring as managing director at the end of the year.
He is handing over to Alistair Cochrane who is director of operations, on New Year’s Day.
Bell has been with TNT ever since it expanded into the UK in 1978 and rose through the ranks to take over as managing director UK & Ireland some 20 years ago.
He came to prominence in the industry when he masterminded the distribution of Rupert Murdoch’s News International titles from Wapping following the move from Fleet Street in 1986.
He said: “We’ve prospered during the boom times and we’ve rolled up our sleeves and fought our way through recessions and economic downturns – emerging stronger each and every time. Our spirit of innovation and ‘sure we can’ attitude has always seen us through – it’s given us a proud history and it will serve TNT well as the company goes on to enjoy a great future.”
Earlier this year he was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour’s List for his services to charity.
Alistair Cochrane started with TNT as a sales executive in Luton since when he has taken on a range of roles both the mainstream operations side of TNT Express and the specialist business outsourcing area.
He said: “It’ll be evolution not revolution. I want us to increase our revenues, ensure we get the right rate for the right job and optimise our assets.”
