Logistics UK Makes Internal Appointments For Growth

Business group Logistics UK has made three internal appointments to support the organisation's work in representing its members and the whole of the logistics sector. Michelle Gardner, formerly deputy director of policy, has been appointed to the new position of Chief of Staff, to provide strategic advice and day to day management to Chief Executive Ben Fletcher, who joined the organisation in December 2025. "Michelle is a highly trusted member of our senior management team," explains Mr Fletcher, "and is committed to delivering efficiencies and driving focus throughout the business as we continue to expand the organisation's reach and impact.

Her new role will see her identifying opportunities for growth, as well as supporting me as I take the business into its next phase. I would like to congratulate her on her success." Formerly deputy director of public affairs, Ben Garratt steps into the role of interim policy and communications director, with a focus on enhancing the organisation's influence while leading its policy, insight, communications and marketing functions.

Garratt takes over from Kevin Green, who left the business in early January. Meanwhile, Katia Yakovleva's role has been expanded from deputy director of events to interim deputy director of engagement and membership, which will see her develop the organisation's strategy for optimising member engagement across the business, while continuing to lead its high-quality programme of conferences. She will work closely with commercial director Jerry Kane and head of membership Al Richardson, who remain responsible for membership management.

"Logistics UK has a fantastic reputation for the work we do for and with our members," says Mr Fletcher, "and I am keen to ensure that we build on that, championing our sector and working with policy makers to embed it as central to economic growth across the UK. In such a fast-paced, constantly changing industry, it is vital that we are able to react quickly to the needs of those we represent and ensure our advocacy for them is focused and impactful. These appointments will enable us to achieve more for our members, which is our ultimate goal in everything we do."

Logistics UK is one of the UK's biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.

For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

Transport & Logistics Magazine - Driving The Industry Forward