Theo de Pencier has succeeded Richard Turner as chief executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

Theo de Pencier joins FTA from Bibby Distribution where he was chief executive and a director of the Bibby Line Group. He has more than 20 years' board-level experience in the logistics and supply chain industry; working for both 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.

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 more than £25 million and a staff of 500.

“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,” said de Pencier. “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.”