TNT Express has announced the appointment of Tex Gunning as the company’s new Chief Executive Offier (CEO), with effect June 1, 2013. TNT Express also announced that Bernard Bot, who has been acting as interim CEO, will remain on the Executive Board as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Meanwhile, Jeroen Seyger, currently interim CFO, will continue in a senior Finance function in the company.
Gunning will leave his role as a member of TNT Express’ Supervisory Board to take up his new position. In addition, Gunning will leave his current role on AkzoNobel’s Board of Management and Executive Committee on April 26, 2013.
Prior to joining AkzoNobel, a global provider of paints and coatings, Gunning was CEO of Vedior, a recruitment specialist, which he successfully merged with Randstad in 2008. His career also includes more than 25 years with Unilever.
Following UPS’s eventually unsuccessful attempt to acquire TNT Express, the company has had to stabilise itself. For over a year, the company was facing an uncertain future as it awaited the impending takeover. Now that it has fallen through, the company must look to deliver results and gain a stronger financial footing. Antony Burgmans, Chairman of TNT Express’ Supervisory Board, believes Tex Gunning is the man to drive this turnaround. He said, “Tex’s extensive business experience and track record in successfully turning around businesses and delivering results make him the ideal candidate in this critical time for the company.”
Burgmans also acknowledged the roles performed by the interim board in steadying the ship following the collapse of UPS’s proposed takeover, “I want to recognise Bernard’s and Jeroen’s enormous contributions over the past months and their commitment to support the company going forward.”
TNT Express will provide further information on its future strategy on March 25, 2013, but it has already suggested this will be primarily concerned with cost control measures as it concentrates on retaining its financial stability.