Kinaxia Logistics has appointed a new chief executive to succeed Michael Conroy, whose 15 months in office have seen him lead the business through a financial restructure and make a series of key changes and appointments.
Graham Cox, who has a wealth of experience in running complex multi-site operations across the UK, Europe and the United States, including for DS Smith Packaging and Navigator Tissue UK, will take over as CEO on April 7.
Michael took the helm in January 2024 and said it was ‘mission accomplished’ after steering the business through to its next stage of development.
Among the key appointments during his tenure have been the arrival of Gareth Jenkins as executive chairman and Allan Blakeley as chief operating officer.
Michael Conroy said: “I’m pleased to have successfully led Kinaxia through a critical period, balancing day-to-day business trading with implementing important changes and leading the negotiations to ensure the business benefitted from investment in key areas.
“My appointment was to ensure Kinaxia navigated this period, and I’m pleased to say it’s definitely mission accomplished.
"Thanks to financial support from one of the world’s largest private investors, Kinaxia has a robust foundation and the stability it needs to deliver its business and growth strategy.”
Gareth Jenkins said: “Over the last 15 months Michael has done a great job to ensure Kinaxia benefitted from new investments in 2025, setting the stage for long-term sustainable growth.
"I would like to extend my gratitude for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
“We are pleased to announce that Graham Cox will be taking over as our new CEO.
"He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in running complex multi-site operations across the UK, Europe and the US for DS Smith Packaging and latterly Navigator Tissue UK.
“He has been involved in leading many good businesses that, under his stewardship, have become great ones. I am confident that Kinaxia will continue to grow and reach the levels of performance of which we will all be proud.”
Graham Cox said: “Kinaxia is a business with huge potential and I’m looking forward to bringing some fresh thinking, clarity of purpose and strong leadership to help take it forward into its next phase of growth.
“We will continue to put customers at the forefront of our strategy, deliver a great customer experience and come together as ‘One Kinaxia’ by realising the potential, expertise and experience of the skilled people we are lucky to have across the business.”
Earlier this year, Kinaxia announced significant investment plans for key areas of the business to drive forward its transformation strategy during 2025, continuing its strategy of getting closer to its customers and focusing on technology, sustainability, service excellence and talent retention.
Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Cheshire, has 1,600 staff nationwide and operates a fleet of 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.
Its national network of hubs provides a full source-to-shelf logistics service.
It has 2.7 million sq ft of strategic national warehousing facilities offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.