New chief executive for freight transport asscociation

Theo de Pencier has succeeded Richard Turner as Chief Executive of the 13,500 member Freight Transport Association. FTA represents the supply chain interests of UK industry and members are responsible for operating over 200,000 lorries – almost half the UK fleet – and over a million vans. They also consign over 90 per cent of the freight carried by rail and 70 per cent of UK exports by sea and air.

FTA provides a range of business and representation services both nationally and locally and is one of the leading UK trade associations, with an annual turnover of over £25 million and a staff of 500.

Theo de Pencier joins FTA from Bibby Distribution, where he was Chief Executive, and a director of the Bibby Line Group. He has over twenty years' board level experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, working for NFC and Danzas before joining Bibby in 1999. His earlier career was spent in sales and marketing with brand leading food and drink manufacturers Heinz and Diageo.

Theo de Pencier said, 'I have had a terrific eight years at Bibby, helping to grow the distribution business into a leading player and being part of a successful private, family owned group. However, the opportunity to join FTA and develop further its industry leadership in terms of representation and services to members was too good to miss. I am looking forward enormously to working with the talented team at FTA on behalf of the members and our industry.'