Neil Ashworth, formerly of Tesco Direct, is joining CollectPlus as chief executive, replacing Mark Lewis who is joining The John Lewis Partnership.
[asset_ref id=”1345″] Neil Ashworth
Ashworth served as supply chain director of Tesco Direct from 2006 to 2011 when he became operations and development director. He set up the Tesco Direct “click and collect” service. He is currently chair of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK.
Lewis is joining John Lewis as online director, and will join the management board. He became chief executive of CollectPlus, joining in June 2010 from eBay where he had been since 2004.
CollectPlus is a joint venture between parcel carrier Yodel and PayPoint, and has a network of some 5,000 corner shops where parcels can be sent or collected.
Ashworth said: “In today’s hard-pressed multi-channel environment, with customers expecting a seamless purchase, delivery and returns service from their retailer, successful brands recognise the importance of offering their customers a complete shopping experience, with alternative delivery and collection options designed to match their customers’ differing lifestyles.
“CollectPlus has enabled both on and offline retailers – and the logistics industry – to rethink their delivery and returns strategies to meet the increasing demands of their customers. CollectPlus has set the standard that others aspire to and I am looking forward to the exciting prospect of working with the CollectPlus team to further develop the breadth and reach of the CollectPlus service.”
CollectPlus estimates that its parcel volumes grew by more than 250 per cent and is processing over 7 million parcels each year.
The firm opened its 5,000th parcel store in 2012 as part of its nationwide network of convenience shops, supermarkets and garages and is and expanding its client base to more than 160 retailers, including Amazon, Clarks, Asda and ASOS.
