People 8
‘With a sound and stable team of people, who work well together’, Martin and Eoin are ‘looking forward to further developing the business over the coming years’
Martin Cook, UK marketing manager and finance director, Eoin Dilworth are now jointly managing Mabanaft’s UK operation. The move follows Raphael Hüttmann’s promotion to joint head, along with Volker Ebeling, of the Mabanaft Group in Hamburg.
With Raphael having been Mabanaft Limited’s acting managing director for the past five years, now is a good time for these changes to take place.
With three strong years of trading, and a consistently solid P&L, Raphael has achieved his stated goal of refocusing Mabanaft Limited and achieving increased profitability through improved efficiencies in the supply chain.
Martin and Eoin have worked closely with Raphael throughout. More recently, during a transitional period, they have also been fulfilling management responsibilities, so the whole process will be seamless.
Martin has been with Mabanaft for nine years, four of these as marketing manager. He has an in-depth understanding of the fuel industry, a clear and focused approach to business and excellent management skills, and is looking forward to the opportunities that this new role brings. Mabanaft’s sales, supply and operations teams will report to Martin.
Eoin, a highly qualified accountant with twenty years’ experience, has worked as finance director for Mabanaft Limited for five years. He has been involved in all aspects of the business and played a significant role in helping increase profits and reduce costs as well as business exposure. The finance, risk and IT support teams report to Eoin.
“Replacing my role has been remarkably straightforward,” said Raphael.
“Mabanaft always looks to retain skill and re-deploy staff within the group, so appointing Martin and Eoin as joint managing directors made perfect sense.
“Looking ahead, as joint head of the Mabanaft Group I will be available to provide support to the UK operation whenever required.”
“Eoin and I are both delighted and excited to be taking over joint management of Mabanaft Limited, said Martin
“We have a sound and stable team of people, who work well together, and are looking forward to further developing the business over the coming years.”www.mabalive.co.uk/news
Currently with Phillips 66, Guy Pulham will take over as FPS CEO in February 2018
With effect from 5thFebruary, 2018 Guy Pulham will become the new chief executive officer of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS). Following the completion of his employment with Phillips 66, Guy will succeed Mark Askew as CEO. Fifty-two year old Guy has almost 30 years’ experience within the upstream and downstream oil industry having gained a degree in economics at Surrey University in 1988. Guy brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the role having previously held several economic, analytical, strategy and sales jobs within Phillips 66 and more recently holding leadership positions encompassing the wholesale and retail sales business channels with additional responsibility in the management of five transport haulier contracts across the UK and the promotion of the JET brand. “The FPS has achieved considerable success and I’m delighted to be asked to use my skills and experience to help the fantastic team at Solihull continue to work very hard for its membership,” commented Guy whose appointment will continue the growth and values of the FPS. “I believe that the most effective representation comes from talking to the members and understanding their businesses and, as a result, knowing what initiatives or support the FPS can provide and what important issues to take to government in order to influence and respond to legislation. “We must also ensure that members are fully cognisant of all that is available to them as FPS members through regular messaging and conferences. The biggest challenge will be trying to find innovative and impactful ways to improve an already award-winning FPS EXPO!” “I am really excited by this appointment,” added FPS president Jodie Allan. “Guy brings to the FPS a results-driven and strategic background with a desire to effectively communicate both on behalf of and with the membership. “His knowledge of the UK fuels market (especially the distributor and reseller businesses in the UK), his transport background and his personal relationships within the industry will prove invaluable in the next phase of growth for the FPS. I look forward to working with him.” www.fpsonline.co.uk
BoilerJuice, which is backed by mid-market private equity firm Livingbridge, has announced the appointment of Lee Cowles as chief executive officer.
Lee, who was previously CEO at Nutmeg, the UK-based online discretionary wealth manager, said:
“It’s incredible to be joining BoilerJuice at a time when they’re on the cusp of unleashing their digital potential. This is a business with a strong track record within the digital space, and I look forward to driving this further.”
Jonathan Wiltshire who recently joined the Cobo team
Having been appointed as Cobo’s new sales manager for the UK and Ireland Jonathan Wiltshire got straight down to work on the Cobo stand at FPS EXPO 2017 in Liverpool.
Adler & Allan has appointed Ian Osborne as new group managing director to continue the group’s drive in growth following an extremely successful period of increased demand, business acquisitions and sales.
Martyn Lyons who will ‘continue to actively participate in the TSA and to reap the many benefits of membership’
At the end of 2016 Martyn Lyonsstepped down from the chairmanship of the UK Tank Storage Association (TSA)
On 1st January 2017 Andrew Amos, projects director for UM group, took over as president with Paul Denmead, director of UK terminal operations at World Fuel Services, becoming vice-president.
Martyn Lyons, who will remain on the TSA Executive Council, said:
“The past 11 years have seen considerable growth in the membership of the TSA with more than 20 full member companies actively participating in our association which can be proud of its abilities as the ‘go-to’ organisation. TSA has long held a reputation to punch above its weight and this was cemented by the considerable efforts and successes of our previous executive director, Hugh Bray.
“After a very enjoyable 11 years as TSA chairman, it’s time for me to hand over the reins to a new president, Andrew Amos who along with executive director Peter Davidson and vice president Paul Denmead are set for a year of growth.”www.tankstorage.org.uk
Angus Blundell is expected to play a key part in Certas Energy’s growth over the next five years. He will be integral to delivering significant growth on both existing and new business by adding a stronger sales focus to the Certas Energy offering
Coinciding with the appointment of Angus Blundell as marketing director earlier this month, Certas Energy has unveiled a redesigned, transactional version of its website.
The importance of women in energy event was co-chaired by US deputy secretary of energy, Dr Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall (l) and Louise Kingham OBE FEI, Energy Institute chief executive
Last week the Energy Institute and POWERful Women hosted a roundtable discussion on ‘The importance of women in energy’ to address the barriers facing women working in the global energy sector.
The Energy Institute’s president-elect Malcolm Brinded looks forward to the ‘exhilarating task’
Malcolm Brinded CBE FREng FEI has taken on the role of president-elect at the Energy Institute (EI).
Richard Baker – ‘a key appointment for MFG as it drives ahead with strengthening its retail offering’
Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has appointed Richard Baker as its new retail director.
“It has always been a pleasure working in the bulk liquid storage industry,” says Richard Sammons who retired at the end of April
After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Richard Sammons stepped down from his role as executive chairman of Inter Terminals at the end of April.
Richard started with Simon Storage as finance director in April 1986 before progressing to chief executive from 2006 to 2014.
“I am delighted in the progress achieved within Inter Terminals,” commented Richard.
“From its beginnings as a UK terminal operator, Inter Terminals has become one of the largest terminal networks in Europe with subsidiaries in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland.
“I wish Martyn Lyons, CEO and his executive team and workforce every success for the future.”www.InterTerminals.com
Jeremy Hawksley is to retire after a tenure of nine years as OFTEC’s director general
OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley has announced he will be retiring from the post this summer.
Since taking the helm in 2007, Jeremy has made a huge and valued contribution towards OFTEC’s progression and played an integral part in championing the industry at both national and international levels.
OFTEC chairman, Nick Hawkins, commented: “After nearly nine years as director general of OFTEC, Jeremy Hawksley has told the board that he wishes to retire this summer. We will all be sad to see Jeremy leave.”
The recruitment process to find a suitable successor for the role is currently underway.www.oftec.org
Leading the company’s bid for ISO 17025 accreditation were quality assurance manager, Phil Saunders and regulatory affairs manager, Caroline Walton
Following a thorough UKAS evaluation of its laboratory’s quality management system, Morris Lubricants has become the first lubricants blender in the UK to achieve ISO 17025.
“This is the single most important international standard for calibration and testing laboratories,” said Phil Saunders, quality assurance manager.
“This accreditation demonstrates to our customers the professional competency of our laboratory and potentially creates an opening to develop new business as an internationally recognised testing centre for lubricants.
“A globally recognised standard, ISO 17025 will also support the continued growth of our export business.”
Paul Brown will help RE:Group to grow its fuel oils business with a particular focus on heavy users of heating oil
A specialist with 30 years’ chemicals and fuel industry experience has joined RE:Group (UK) as it continues to develop its industrial fuel oils division.
Paul Brown is the Hull-based company’s new industrial fuel sales manager and joins after 10 years as a waste management broker and solvent sales representative.
RE:Group, which has extensive experience in waste oil management and hydrocarbon recovery, currently handles more than 50 million litres of marine and industrial oil each year and sells specialist fuels to sectors such as brewing, food production, aggregates and abattoirs.
Commercial director Phil Evans said: “Paul has a wealth of relevant experience and has worked with a wide range of industries across Yorkshire, Lancashire and around the UK for many years. He has been brought on board to help us with the growth of our fuel oils business for a range of industries that are heavy users of heating oil.”
Paul began his career working in the stores of a chemicals company in Castleford, where he still lives. He then moved into the recycling industry working for several blue chip companies.
Paul’s appointment follows the retirement of fuel sales manager Derek Crossley, who has been with the company since 2012 and has enjoyed a 48-year career, including six years in the Royal Navy and 30 years in the fuel industry.
Established in 1996, RE:Group has three sites in Hull, including its new head office, and a collection site in North Lincolnshire. The company has in-house UKAS-accredited laboratories and invests significantly in research and development.www.regroup.uk.com
Lee Webb – a highly experienced engineer who will drive continuous improvement throughout Emco Wheaton’s factory
Lee Webb has been appointed as production manager at Emco Wheaton’s Margate plant in Kent.
“Lee is a highly experienced engineer with a wealth of experience,” said general manager Andrew Dawson-Goodey.
“His knowledge of operations and production within a manufacturing environment will further strengthen Emco Wheaton’s production facility as well as growing the company’s capabilities as customers’ requirements develop.
A graduate of the University of Warwick with an MSc in engineering business management and a post graduate award in manufacturing engineering systems, Lee joins Emco Wheaton from Cummins Power Generation, where his roles included, value stream transformation manager, senior manufacturing engineer/certified 6S green belt and operations manufacturing engineer.
“We’re delighted to welcome a production manager of Lee’s calibre to Emco Wheaton,” added Andrew.
Lee will be focusing on driving continuous improvement throughout the factory, to be able to deliver shorter cycle times and improve on time delivery.www.emcowheaton.com
Andy Smith brings 17 years experience in the fuel card business to Rix-owned Fuelmate
Well-known industry professional Andy Smith has been appointed to head up the Rix-owned Fuelmate fuel card operation.
“Fuel cards are my background. I started as a sales rep at 19-years old and have worked in the industry ever since.
“In that time I’ve always been aware of Rix – the company has a great reputation – so I’m am really pleased to have been appointed to head up Fuelmate which has fantastic potential.
During his career Andy has launched a fuel card division from a standing start, growing it to turnover £50m in nine years. At 29 he was appointed to senior management level managing both fuel card and retail divisions. He has spent the past four years working in Ireland to grow his knowledge of the European fuel card market.
“I will be looking to capitalise on, and grow, the existing brand value of the business whilst working closely with sales and account teams to ensure we’re deriving the greatest value we can from our resources for our customers.
“I have my eye firmly on growth and I’m looking forward to taking the business to the next level.”
“Andy has a great pedigree in the industry,” said Rory Clarke, managing director of Rix Petroleum.
“We’re very excited to have him on board and confident that Fuelmate is great hands with Andy at the helm.”
Hull-based Fuelmate currently employs 15 people across sales, account management and admin roles. The company supplies all major fuel cards including Keyfuels and UK Fuels, BP, Shell, Texaco, Esso, European card DKV and Fleetmate – a bespoke solution aimed at fleet operators and based on the specific requirements of the client.
“Fuelmate can be tailored to the fleet operator’s needs and it’s is also scaleable,” added Andy. “It can be used by companies operating fleets of just three or four vehicles up to those with hundreds of vehicles.”www.fuelmate.co.uk
Jan Ward – delighted to be joining Millers Oils
Millers Oils has appointed Jan Ward CBE as the new chair of the board of directors.
Jan takes up the role of non-executive chair with immediate effect and has over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas, petrochemical and power industries. With a mechanical engineering background, she is founder and CEO of Corrotherm International Ltd and has been an enthusiastic promoter of innovation and women in engineering since the outset of her career.
“I am delighted to be joining Millers Oils to build on the opportunity that their portfolio of cutting edge oils products offer in the automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial sector,” said Jan.
In 2009, Jan was named the UK’s most inspirational female entrepreneur, she received a CBE in the 2014 New Years Honours in recognition of her success in guiding and promoting innovative British businesses.
Jan takes over from Andrew Miller, who makes the move to non-executive director.
“Millers Oils has always been an innovative company and I look forward to working with Jan to maintain the impetus we have made in recent years,” said Andrew.www.millersoils.co.uk
Pete George will retire at the end of September 2015
Having started his career with Conoco in the routing office at Immingham 45 years ago, Pete George, now managing director of UK & Ireland marketing at Phillips 66, is to retire.
Pete’s career began in 1970 when he began taking orders from customers and allocating work to what were then the company’s in-house drivers.
In the course of his career with Conoco, ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, Pete has had 14 different roles in several locations. In addition to Immingham he has also worked in London, Slough, Manchester, an 18 month training stint that included Kingsbury, Cliffe (Kent), Tyneside and London, back to Immingham, Harrogate, Warwick, Brussels and then Warwick again!
Speaking about the variety across his 14 roles Pete said it had been a joy getting to know the company’s customers.
“Our customers have diverse backgrounds and businesses and it has been a joy getting to know them and building relationships over the years.”
Asked what he hoped would be his legacy, he added: “An organisation that has a great attitude towards getting things done efficiently by helping and supporting each other.
“No egos, no politics – that’s what our customers demand and they are the reason we are here.”
Mary Wolf will be taking on the role of managing director, UK & Ireland Marketing with effect from 2nd October 2015.www.phillips66.co.uk
Colin Levy is looking forward to “expanding the company‑owned retail forecourt position and to becoming a more prominent player in the forecourt industry”
Last month Colin Levy joined Certas Energy’s retail division as company-owned operations manager.
Based at the company’s Scottish head office in Larbert, Falkirk, Colin brings almost 20 years’ experience in the forecourt retail arena, primarily with BP and partner companies. Colin’s career saw him progress from store management to area management, covering stores in Scotland, North West and North East of England.
In his new position, Colin is responsible for maintaining the safety and operational performance at the 21 Gulf and Shell branded sites owned by Certas Energy across Scotland, while looking for opportunities of potential growth which fit in with the company’s strategy.
“I was drawn towards this role at Certas after learning about the ambition within the retail team and expansion plans for the business,” commented Colin. “I pride myself on the service I provide to customers and am always looking for ways I can improve customer service levels.
“I look forward to being able to help push the retail side of the business forward, with a view to expanding the company‑owned retail forecourt position and to becoming a more prominent player in the forecourt industry.”
“We warmly welcome Colin to our growing retail team,” said retail director Ramsay MacDonald. “Colin has a proven track record of driving improvements in store standards and performance. As Colin begins to embed himself in the business, we will be looking for him to utilise his experience and develop our business even further.”
Certas Energy currently delivers fuel and lubricants to over 1,200 independent and dealer forecourts across the UK.www.certasenergy.co.uk
Senior advisor to CD&R Funds, Sir Terry Leahy is joining the MFG board
Private investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, (CD&R) will be partnering with the Motor Fuel Group (MFG) to acquire the company from its original institutional investor, Patron.
Former chief executive of Tesco and current chairman of B&M European Value Retail, Sir Terry Leahy is a senior advisor to CD&R’s Funds.
The transaction, which is valued at approximately £500 million, is expected to close in July, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The MFG management team, whose chairman is oil industry veteran Alasdair Locke, partnered with Patron in 2011 to acquire the MFG business and today, it is the number two independent petrol and convenience retailer in the UK.
Through a series of strategic acquisitions, Patron and MFG management have grown the company from 48 stations in 2011 to a current total of 373 stations operating under the BP, Shell, Texaco and Jet brands. In addition, MFG also operates a Murco-branded dealer network of more than 200 sites.
In April 2015, MFG was ranked 9th in a league table of Britain’s 100 private companies with the fastest-growing profits in the 16th annual Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100.
Jeremy Clarke, managing director of MFG said: “We thank Patron for helping us to become one of the largest, most dynamic and profitable independent petrol and convenience retail operators in the UK and we are excited to be partnering with CD&R. The firm’s reputation for operational excellence and deep consumer and retail experience will be especially useful as we move the business forward to the next stage of profitable growth.
“We are also delighted that Sir Terry Leahy will be joining the MFG board.”
Marco Herbst, a partner at CD&R, commented: “We look forward to building on MFG management team’s success by continuing to accelerate the company’s transformation into a best-in-class petrol and convenience retailer.”www.cdr-inc.comwww.motorfuelgroup.com
Mark Bacon, appointed to head up Morris’s franchise programme
Shrewsbury-based oil blender and lubricants manufacturer Morris Lubricants has appointed Mark Bacon to head up the company’s franchise programme.
“I’m absolutely delighted to continue my long history in the franchise market and am extremely confident I can add value to the customer,” said Mark, who lives in Buckinghamshire.
Mark has split the last 19 years of his career working for BP and Castrol, and is excited at the new challenge which lies ahead. “Morris Lubricants is very well respected in the industry and I’m delighted to be joining what is a very strong and knowledgeable team,” he added.
“
Morris has a range of products and programs to assist with very specific areas within the franchise programme and I’m excited about the support we can provide to dealerships and workshops over the coming months and years.“
Meanwhile a technical adviser with Morris has proved his knowledge of the industry by achieving a well-respected qualification. Wayne Devonport joined the Morris team just over a year ago and has been studying for the UKLA certificate of lubricant competence which he has now achieved with distinction.
Having been appointed as the new FPS regional representative for Yorkshire and the North East of England, Janet Kettlewell has joined the FPS Council.
Janet Kettlewell, who is operations manager at Ripon-based Kettlewell Fuels, a small independent family distributor formed in 1987, said:“ To be appointed as a regional representative is fantastic news.
“Success in this industry is based on strong relationships with customers and colleagues, and I am keen to build great relationships with every oil distributor in Yorkshire and the North East. I have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience as well as an understanding of this region.
“Kettlewell Fuels is proud that it is one of the last remaining independent oil distributors in the area – we attribute this to the fact that we always go the extra mile for customers.
“This commitment is something I will bring to my new role on the FPS Council. I will be helping and supporting all FPS members across the region, both on a personal and national level, ensuring they have an industry voice by representing their views and concerns at the quarterly Council meetings. I look forward to making a big difference to the working lives of FPS members in this region.”
To get in touch with Janet please email Janet.Kettlewell@kettlewellfuels.co.uk.
John Alton (right) receives his gold watch for 25 years’ service to Morris Lubricants from director David Goddard
One of the most highly respected figures in the UK lubricants industry has celebrated more than half a century of service by being presented with his second gold watch.
John Alton, commercial director of Shrewsbury-based Morris Lubricants, is credited with successfully driving the company forward during his time as chief executive. He joined the family-owned oil blenders in 1989 from Silkolene Oils in Belper, Derbyshire, where he was sales and marketing director and collected his first gold watch for 25 years’ service.
He handed over the reins at Morris Lubricants to managing director Andrew Goddard in 2008 but continues to be responsible for developing home and export markets.
Company director David Goddard, who made the presentation to Mr Alton, said: “John has driven the company forward over the past 25 years. He is without doubt one of the most prominent and highly respected figures in the UK lubricants industry with worldwide experience.”
In 2012, in recognition of his service as the longest serving board member, Mr Alton was elected president of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA), which represents more than 100 manufacturers in the lubricants and metalworking fluids industry. He had previously served as vice president for eight years and received the President’s Award from the UKLA in 2008 for his contribution to the lubricants industry.
Reflecting on his 52 years in the lubricants industry, 77-year-old Mr Alton said: “I am constantly surprised by the way the passage of time seems to accelerate as you get older. I still feel that the company has some exciting opportunities ahead and wish I could turn back the clock and do another 25 years in the industry!”
“We aim to build a world-class retail and fuel business and to expand our operations significantly over the coming years,” says Emmet O’Neill, new Topaz chief executive.
Last month John Callaghan, chairman of Topaz Energy Ireland, announced that Emmet O’Neill had been appointed to take over as chief executive on 1st February 2015. Sean Corkery will continue as acting CEO until then.
Thirty-five year old Emmet is one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs with a number of interests across the economy. In 2005 he founded Smiles Dental as a radical and innovative patient-focused dentistry business. Over the following decade, he grew the business to become one of the largest providers of general and specialist dental services in Ireland and the UK with 78 branches between the two countries. Smiles Dental was sold earlier this year. He has previously worked in aircraft finance and in March was appointed to the Topaz board where has led a number of projects in recent months.
“Visionary and passionate, Emmet is one of the outstanding young entrepreneurs in Ireland,” said John Callaghan. “We’re very much looking forward to his leadership and his exciting plans for the business.”
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this role at Topaz – everybody connected with the Topaz business has been incredibly welcoming and I know they all share our ambition for the business,” said Emmet.
www.topaz.ie